Hibiscus Farmers Processors, Marketers, and Exporters Association of Nigeria (HFPMEAN), has expressed concern over the low yields at harvest due to heavy rainfall during the last cropping season.
The Chairman of the association in Bauchi State, Alhaji Mustapha Shehu, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Thursday in Bauchi
He said that excessive rainfall caused flooding, waterlogging and crop damage, severely impacting hibiscus growth and led to lower yields.
“In contrast to the 2023 farming season, which yielded one million metric tonnes of hibiscus flower, the production was significantly lower in 2024.
“Hisbicus cultivation witnessed remarkable growth in 2023 with an estimated 1.2 million metric tonnes produced compared to 600 metric tones in 2022.
“However, the 2024 season led to considerable losses with many farmers shifting their focus to hibiscus cultivation,” he said.
Shehu lamented the low price of the produce in spite of exorbitant prices of inputs and high production cost.
The chairman also identified lack of access to farmer support services and insecurity as the major obstacle militating against growth in hibiscus production.
He, therefore, urged the government to support farmers to encourage productivity and enhance food security.
