Agriculture experts have urged Nigerian rice farmers to persist in cultivating the staple crop despite a surge in rice imports into the country.

The call comes after a recent survey revealed that over 3,500 rice farmers are considering exiting the sector due to losses estimated at N93 billion during the 2025 wet season. The findings were contained in the 2025 Major Wet Season Impact Report released by the Presidential Food Systems Coordinating Unit.

Speaking to NAN on Tuesday, Dr. Ismail Olawale, an agricultural communication expert, urged the government to address structural challenges that put local farmers at a disadvantage.

“There are several factors influencing farmers to abandon rice cultivation beyond importation,” Olawale said. “Even with imported rice, if local produce is competitive and viable, it benefits both consumers and the nation, giving Nigerians the freedom to choose.”

He further highlighted issues such as hoarding and smuggling of rice across Nigeria’s borders, which continue to impact the sector negatively. “We are encouraging farmers to continue despite these challenges. For them to remain motivated, these issues must be investigated and addressed,” Olawale added.

Similarly, Mr. Omotunde Banjoko, an agriculture analyst and practicing farmer, called for government interventions that go beyond importation as a solution to food inflation.

“If rice farmers are quitting, we risk future shortages, because relying on importation alone is unsustainable,” Banjoko said. “The government should focus on reducing the cost of farm inputs to make local production viable. Many farmers are currently selling below their production costs, and this trend is unsustainable.”

Experts emphasized that supporting local farmers is crucial not only for rice production but for the overall sustainability of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.