Kaduna farmers count losses as herdsmen ravage farmlands

Some farmers in Manchok community of Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna State said they had lost crops worth millions of naira after herdsmen allegedly ravaged their farmlands.

The farmers, who cried out for help, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Manchok on Friday, that the sad development has predisposed them to hunger.

One of them, Mrs Martina David, a mother of four, said she invested nearly N1.3 million naira in the cultivation of sweet potatoes only to lose the investment within two days after the farm was allegedly destroyed by herders.

Looking visibly shaken and distraught, she said that the amount she spent on cultivating the crop was a loan facility she collected because of the potential for a high return on investment.

She explained that she planted potatoes on 188 ridges on nearly four hectares of land and expected to harvest at least 752 bags at three to four bags per ridge.

She estimated the return on investment to yield N12.78 million naira at the current price of between 1N7,000 and N20,000 naira per bag.

“Sadly, my hope was dashed when I visited my farm and discovered that more than half of it was destroyed by cattle.