Rice farmers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, have raised the alarm over incessant rainfall and flooding, which they say is threatening the 2025 rice production and harvest in the region.
In separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday, the farmers described how heavy rains and waterlogging had destroyed nursery beds and submerged large portions of their farmlands across major rice-growing areas.
Mr Emmanuel Nwali, a rice farmer in Izzi Local Government Area, revealed that nearly half of his farm had gone underwater.
“The floods have destroyed most of our work. What is left is already turning yellow. It has been raining almost daily since mid-July. We may not expect a bountiful harvest this season,” he lamented.
Mr Chinedu Okenwa also expressed frustration, saying he had lost his nursery beds to the floods, making it impossible to transplant rice seedlings.
“We risk poor yield this season, and that may cause a sharp rise in the price of local rice next year. We are facing a difficult period due to the weather,” Okenwa said.
Similarly, commercial rice farmer Mr Aloysius Njoku disclosed that a large portion of his farm had been washed away, warning that if the situation continues unchecked, rice may become scarce and expensive.
Mrs Sylvia Elom, a civil servant and subsistence farmer, said the rains had destroyed the livelihood of many in the community.
“Rice is the major source of income for the majority of our people who are mainly agrarians. When floods destroy our farms, we are left with nothing,” she said.
Dr Paul Onwe, a private agricultural extension expert, noted that rice is highly sensitive to prolonged flooding, especially in swampy areas. He warned of nutrient loss, stunted growth, and fungal diseases, advising farmers to follow seasonal weather forecasts provided by the Federal Government before planting.
A source at the Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture, speaking anonymously, confirmed that the government is actively monitoring the flooding impacts and compiling reports for appropriate intervention.
According to the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Ebonyi was among the states forecasted to experience significant flooding in 2025.
Ebonyi is one of Nigeria’s leading rice-producing states, and local traders in Abakaliki markets are already voicing concern over the likely impact on rice prices if harvests fall short due to weather-related challenges.
