FARMERS IN ZAMFARA PREDICT BUMPER HARVEST DESPITE INADEQUATE RAIN PREDICTION

In spite of meteorologists' prediction of acute shortage of rains in the northern states early in the year, farmers in Zamfara have expressed optimism that there will be bumper harvest.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that farmers in the northern states were apprehensive following the report.

However, there are indications that the predictions may not be correct after all.

A large-scale farmer in Gusau, Alhaji Lawali Garba, told NAN that agricultural production in the state in 2010 has been the best in the last 10 years.

He added, 'God has allayed our fears of famine by providing us with sufficient rains in a steady manner despite the much speculated drought.

'In fact, farmers can tell you that the bumper harvest we are anticipating, from what is available on ground, will be the best in the last 10 years.''

Garba said that not withstanding the unavailability of fertiliser, farmers in Zamfara would record massive agricultural production in both food and cash crops.

He, however, called on the state government to provide a ready market for the farmers to get value for their efforts.'

He noted that in the past years, middlemen took advantage of the bumper harvest to exploit the farmers and purchase the produce at give away prices.

They also hoarded the produce with a view to gmaking 'unwholesome' profits, he said.