From Samson Kukwa-Yanor, Makurdi
Benue farmers have said that they are optimistic of a bumper harvest with the sustained rainfall after a long spell of drought.
Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Benue state chapter Dr Yandev Amaabai told or correspondent that in spite of the drought in the middle of the cropping season, if the current spate of rainfall sustains, it would make up for the drought.
Amaabai said that most of the crops which were hitherto withering away have sufficiently recovered.
He however disclosed that though some crops like soya beans have witnessed a permanently stunted growth and expressed fears that the crop would not be able to meet up with yields to match previous years.
The AFAN chairman also disclosed that the draught affected pepper and tomato yield in the state as it occurred during the peak period of the crops in the state.
Alternatively, he said, tuber crops like yams, cassava and potatoes were able to fully recover and are doing quite well. He said that apart from some yam seeds which initially rotted in the heat of the drought, the tuber crops have completely recovered.
He said that to make up for the loss of the drought, most farmers have planted grains like beans and cereals which are equally doing well.
National Radiance
