Dry season rice farmers in Taraba State are worried about the significant drop in paddy prices despite a good harvest season. The price has decreased from N50,000 to N37,000 as farmers harvest crops from irrigation fields across six local government areas. This price crash raises concerns among farmers about recovering their investments due to high production costs.

Farmers reported increased expenses this year due to rising prices of petrol, fertilizer, labor, and other essential inputs. They fear severe losses if prices remain low, potentially hindering their ability to participate in the upcoming wet season farming. Many farmers from Jalingo and other states, including those in the South-South region, have migrated to these irrigation fields over the past four years, with the highest number arriving this year.

Ibrahim Sule, a farmer from Kebbi State, moved to Taraba in 2022 after learning about the potential of irrigation farming. He started as a laborer and has since expanded his operations, expecting to harvest over 100 bags of paddy this year. The demand for local rice and paddy has driven this migration, which began during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

Farmers faced challenges this year, including high costs for rice seeds, fertilizer, chemicals, engine and solar water pumping machines, diesel, and petrol. Charges for irrigation field rentals and labor costs also increased. Despite these hurdles, their commitment to farming remained strong. Isa Tafida, a large-scale farmer, supports farmers by providing prepared irrigation plots, fertilizers, chemicals, water pumping machines, and funds for labor and harvesting, repayable without interest. This support has encouraged young farmers from various states to engage in dry season farming.

Adamu Salihu, a beneficiary from Yobe State, arrived in Sheka three years ago as a laborer. Through hard work, he achieved financial independence and now manages his farms without external support. He considers Sheka his second home, having made over N1 million from irrigation farming and relocated his family there. Many laborers have become millionaires due to the opportunities available for diligent farmers during both wet and dry seasons.

Isa Tafida believes that the government's lack of attention to agriculture contributes to food insecurity. He argues that Taraba State has the potential to produce a significant portion of the country's food needs but lacks essential infrastructure at the fields. Farmers provide their own engines, solar pumping machines, thrashers, fertilizers, chemicals, and boreholes. He urges the federal government to provide irrigation canals and water channels, similar to those in Kano and Katsina, to facilitate irrigation farming.

Tafida also highlights the need for agricultural experts to advise farmers on modern techniques, seed selection, and borehole placement. The influx of farmers to Sheka irrigation fields, and others like it, has been substantial, but many may discontinue dry season farming due to the falling paddy prices and high input costs. Bello Yakubu, a farmer, notes that these conditions are crippling farming activities, particularly in the North, as farming is intended to be a profitable business.