Rice farmers in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, have expressed deep concern over the increasing threat of incessant rainfall, which they say is endangering the 2025 rice production season.
Many farmers report that persistent downpours have led to severe flooding, waterlogging, and widespread crop damage across major rice-growing areas in the state.
In separate interviews on Wednesday, the farmers described how their farmlands have been submerged, with some already experiencing significant yield loss.
Emmanuel Nwali, a notable rice farmer from Izzi Local Government Area, disclosed that nearly half of his rice farm is now 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.
Similarly, Chinedu Okenwa shared his ordeal after losing his rice nursery beds to flooding.
“I don’t know how to make up for the losses because, as it stands, I cannot transplant. The nursery has been destroyed. We risk a poor yield this season, which may cause a sharp rise in the price of local rice next year,” he said.
Another commercial farmer, Aloysius Njoku, said that a significant portion of his rice farm has been lost.
“The rains and the attendant flooding have been so devastating. If nothing is done, rice will become scarce and expensive, and everyone will feel it,” he warned.
Agricultural expert Paul Onwe explained that rice crops are particularly vulnerable to prolonged flooding, especially in swampy areas.
“Submerged fields suffer from stunted growth, nutrient deficiency, and fungal diseases. Heavy rainfall poses serious threats to rice farms. Farmers should monitor weather forecasts and take early warnings seriously,” he advised.
According to Onwe, government-issued seasonal advisories are crucial in helping farmers make informed decisions ahead of planting seasons.
A source within the Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture, who preferred to remain anonymous, confirmed that the ministry is actively monitoring the impact of the current flooding on rice farms across the state.
Reports are being compiled from affected areas to guide the government’s next steps.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) had warned that Ebonyi is among the states expected to experience severe flooding during the 2025 rainy season.
Source: People Gazette
Image Credit: Punch
