Farmers in Difa Community, located in Yamaltu Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State, have expressed their gratitude for the Federal Government’s support to agriculture in the region.

In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday, they shared how the government’s assistance had benefited those cultivating rice, wheat, and other crops.

The farmers highlighted that the support had helped them create jobs, increase food availability, reduce food prices, and raise the incomes of smallholder farmers.

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They also noted that many farmers who had abandoned agriculture were now returning to their farms due to the government’s intervention.

Mr. Abu Ali, a 52-year-old rice farmer from Difa, acknowledged the current economic challenges and the high cost of agricultural inputs.

He explained that many farmers struggled to cultivate large farmlands due to these factors.

“As a result, they have been seeking support from the government, particularly in the form of input subsidies and other forms of assistance.

“I want to commend the Federal Government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu for showing seriousness in boosting food security and supporting farmers.

“We need this support extended to other farmers, especially dry-season rice farmers in Difa, where rice is grown in large quantities.

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“Many farmers have abandoned agriculture due to hardship, but with support, we can boost rice production, particularly during the dry season,” Ali said.

Ali also pointed out that access to improved seedlings remained a significant challenge, noting that many farmers still used their harvested grains as seeds, which had reduced yields and incomes.

Mrs Lois Hassan, another rice farmer from Difa, reiterated similar concerns, stating that many farmers were not getting the yields they should due to the lack of support.

She believed that with more assistance from the Federal Government and agricultural Non-Governmental Organisations, farmers in Difa could produce enough rice to meet the state’s demand and even supply other regions.

“We have the land and labor, especially from the youth who are increasingly focusing on farming.

“We need support to boost rice production,” Hassan said.

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Mr. Hassan Abdulateef, a 40-year-old farmer, mentioned that more than 600 youths in the community were engaged in various farming activities.

He explained that because part of Difa was situated along the riverbank, agriculture had become the primary occupation for many young people.

Abdulateef urged the government to extend its support to the youth in Difa, particularly for dry-season farming.

“Just as the government is supporting youths in other parts of the state, we also need this help, especially for dry-season farming,” Abdulateef said.

Other farmers in Difa voiced similar appeals, emphasizing that the community had the potential to become a hub for irrigation farming, which could create even more jobs for nearly 1,000 youths.