Taraba Farmers in Distress as Drought withers Crops

Farmers in parts of Taraba State particularly in areas such as Jalingo, Karim-Lamido, Gassol, Lau and Ardo-Kola LGAs are facing drought that have severely affected agricultural activities.

Reports indicate that crops such as rice, maize, groundnut and others have started to wither in the affected areas, with no rainfall recorded for the past four weeks.

The drought has also led to a spike in maize prices across the state.

A 100kg bag of newly harvested maize is now sold at N55,000, while a 100kg bag of old stock maize is priced at N80,000.

The Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Njidda Tafida, has directed all his subjects to engage in prayers and fasting to seek rainfall, as crops in several parts of the state are weathering due to a prolonged lack of rain.

The emir also instructed the Chief Imam of the Jalingo Central Mosque, Imam Nuru Dinga, to communicate with all imams within Muri Emirate to ensure that people in their respective areas participate in the prayers and fasting.

However, some areas in central, northern and southern Taraba, where crops were planted earlier, have begun harvesting.