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The price of corn in Enugu has risen by 50 per cent, according to a survey conducted by the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday.
The steep increase in the cost of both boiled and roasted corn has put the staple out of reach for many families and corn enthusiasts in the state.
Although the survey indicated that prices may fall in a few months when the majority of corn farmers begin harvesting, this seasonal influx is expected to first cause a temporary increase in supply, followed by a subsequent drop in prices.
Several farmers and sellers who spoke to NAN attributed the price hike to the lack of rainfall, a consequence of climate change. Those currently harvesting their crops also cited the high cost of hiring labourers and the rising prices of other market commodities as contributing factors.
A corn seller, Miss Amarachi Eze, explained that seven pieces of corn she purchased for N1,000 in 2024 are now sold for N2,000, with each piece retailing between N400 and N500, depending on size.
“If you sell all seven at N500, you make N1,500 profit, but if you sell at N400, the profit is N800. This is because I buy directly from the farmers.
“Out of this profit, you pay for transport, charcoal, and paper to serve customers. The cheapest bag of charcoal is now N500. When you add other expenses, it all contributes to the price increase,” she explained.
Another seller, who identified herself as Mama Ejima, noted, “The corn is just coming into season, as many farmers have not started harvesting, so prices will soon drop.
“I bought a small bag containing about 80 pieces for N25,500, which sold for N13,000 last year.”
She added that she had no corn selling for N200, with prices now ranging from N300 to N500. “At this time last year, corn was everywhere,” she said.
A farmer, Mr John Oroke, blamed the increase on delayed rainfall due to climate change, emphasising that fertiliser applied without sufficient rain can damage the crop.
He noted that corn requires constant rainfall for a good yield, but the current rainfall pattern in Enugu is inadequate for corn farming.
Another farmer, Mr Emmanuel Okafor, highlighted the high cost of hiring farm labourers. He also lamented that extreme heat and erratic rainfall had damaged his crops, and that part of his farm was destroyed by herders and their cattle.
“I am calling on the government to assist Enugu farmers with irrigation for year-round corn farming and to address the issue of conflicts between farmers and herders,” he appealed.
A buyer, Mrs Ogechukwu Nweke, expressed her frustration at the soaring cost of goods, including corn.
“But what can we do? We have to buy it. I am appealing to the government to support farmers to increase their yield,” she said.
(NAN)
