Speaking at a press briefing in Kano, the RIFAN State Chairman, Alhaji Abubakar Haruna Aliyu, expressed concern over the impact of market fluctuations on rice farmers, many of whom invested heavily during the dry season.

“Although the recent drop in paddy prices may seem like good news to consumers, it spells trouble for the farmers,” Aliyu said. “After spending so much on cultivation, it’s disheartening to see returns dwindling.”

He explained that reintroducing the warehousing system could help cushion the blow for farmers by providing a more stable and strategic way to manage surplus produce. The system allows farmers to deposit their harvests in certified warehouses, where the rice is dried, cleaned, and graded. In return, the farmers receive a receipt they can use for future transactions or as collateral until market conditions improve.

According to him, this approach would not only prevent market oversaturation but also help maintain quality control and secure better pricing for farmers in the long run.

“Warehousing is an essential link in the supply chain. It ensures a steady stock of commodities, prevents unnecessary scarcity, and enables businesses to plan more effectively,” Aliyu said.

He cautioned that without meaningful intervention, many rice farmers may become discouraged and abandon rice farming altogether, putting the country’s food security at risk.

“We must ask: where do rice farmers fit into the current agricultural roadmap? If proactive steps aren’t taken, we risk losing them—and that would set us back significantly,” he warned.

Aliyu’s call comes at a critical time when Nigeria is working to boost local food production and reduce its dependence on imports. Stakeholders say revamping the warehousing system could be a key policy move to support that goal.

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