Reps To Probe Drop In Prices Of Farm Produce

The House of Representatives Nigeria has resolved to investigate the underlying causes of the persistent drop in farm produce prices and assess its impact on farmers’ livelihoods, food security, and national nutrition.

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The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with relevant agencies, to, among other measures, design and implement remedial actions by establishing structured off-taking arrangements and price support mechanisms to cushion the adverse effects of the sharp decline in farm produce prices.

This followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Bamidele Salam from Osun during plenary on Wednesday.

Moving the motion, Salam noted a persistent and sharp decline in the prices of farm produce across the country, affecting staple crops and perishable agricultural commodities such as cassava, rice, and yam, among others.

He observed that the drastic fall in prices has resulted in significant financial losses for farmers who invested heavily in inputs such as seeds, fertilizers, agrochemicals, transportation, and labour—often financed through loans and cooperative schemes.

The lawmaker further noted that the absence of structured off-taking mechanisms, inadequate storage facilities, weak agro-processing capacity, and poor market linkages have worsened post-harvest losses and increased farmers’ vulnerability to market fluctuations.

He expressed concern that “if left unaddressed, falling farm prices could drive farmers out of business, reduce agricultural investment and productivity, and worsen rural apathy toward farming, thereby threatening national food security through shortages, price inflation, and increased reliance on imports.”

“The implications extend to national nutrition outcomes, as disruptions in agricultural production and supply chains may limit access to affordable and nutritious food, thereby worsening malnutrition and food insecurity, particularly among vulnerable populations,” he added.

Salam acknowledged the strategic role of government intervention through price stabilisation mechanisms, off-taking arrangements, buffer stock programmes, and structured commodity systems in protecting farmers against market volatility.

Following the adoption of the motion, the House also urged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security and relevant agencies to urgently strengthen storage, processing, and market access infrastructure, as well as develop sustainable agricultural price stabilisation policies to protect farmers’ investments, enhance productivity, and guarantee fair returns on agricultural produce.