Potatoes, Yams, Vegetables, Onions Are Scarce And Expensive In Plateau
FOR those observing events in Plateau State, the situation seems to play out the same scenario. The attacks by herdsmen have constituted to pose a serious setback for farmers.
Speaking to Theguardian, Mr. Ishaku Joshua, a farmer in Irigwe community of Bassa Local Council, said: “This is where we have the best and large produce of Miango yams. The yams are best for pounded yam meal. We also have the best Miango pepper in commercial quantity.
“Again, Bokkos, where the clashes are severe, is where we used to have the largest commercial quantity of Irish potatoes and maize with the help of water coming from the mining ponds available for irrigation. In Barkin Ladi and Riyom, we used to have the largest quantity of tomatoes, cabbage and varieties of vegetables using the abandoned mining ponds during dry season farming.”
Joshua continued: “But today, that has changed. Potatoes, yams, vegetables and onions are very scarce in the state due to these clashes. This is the outcome of recent squabbles in the four local councils. Acha (Local weeds used to cure diabetic patients, which is commonly found in Bokkos, Bassa, Barkin Ladi and Riyom, are gradually disappearing. These things can no longer be found because farmers have deserted the fertile areas as a result of herdsmen killings.” He revealed: “The cost of meat (beef) has risen from N700 to N1400 per kilo, because of scarcity of cows because the farmers want to protect their farmlands and the Fulani too want to protect their cows. That is where you have a clash of interests. The lives of the Fulani and their cows are not safe and the lives of the farmers too are not safe, because each time they cultivate a large acre of land, the herdsmen graze their cattle on this land and destroy the farmlands.
“The cow milk, which used to be a good supplement for protein, is highly expensive now, because of the clashes. The death toll of both herders and farmers is also on the increase. Energetic youths who are supposed to be engaged