Sesame and melon farmers in Taraba State have enjoyed a bountiful harvest despite the erratic rainfall that negatively impacted many other crops. These drought-resistant cash crops have emerged as lucrative alternatives for farmers, offering them a stable income in recent years due to increasing demand and favorable prices.
Farmers like Ibrahim Yakubu noted that since 2021, the prices of sesame and melon have risen significantly, prompting more farmers to cultivate them. A large-scale farmer, Alhaji Uba Saidu, reported harvesting 70 bags of sesame and 100 bags of melon, earning over N10 million from the crops. Unlike previous years, the area saw no pest invasion or insecurity issues, contributing to the successful harvest.
Despite these gains, some farmers express concerns over food security, as the shift toward cash crops like sesame and melon has led to a decline in the cultivation of staple food crops like maize and rice. Farmers are being urged to balance cash crop production with food crop farming to address potential shortages in food supply.
News Editor 
Hyelsinta Hassan