Table of Contents
- Government Action to Address Surplus Oranges
- Governor's Statement
- Market Dynamics for Oranges
- Farmer's Testimonial
The Benue State Government has committed to beginning the process of collecting surplus oranges due to declining prices and a lack of storage facilities by December.
This announcement was made by Governor Hyacinth Alia during a meeting with church elders and traditional leaders in Gboko.
According to DAILY POST, the current farm price for a 100 kg bag of oranges is N1,000.
Oranges are primarily sold on farms, as the fruit's highly perishable nature makes it unwise to transport them to open markets, which poses a risk of loss if sales are delayed.
Governor Alia expressed concern that buyers and middlemen exploit farmers by intentionally postponing the purchase of perishable goods in the mornings, which forces farmers to sell at lower prices in the evenings out of desperation.
“They keep farmers in the market until evening and compel them to sell at rock-bottom prices. They profit while our farmers incur losses,” he stated.
Governor Alia’s promise to purchase surplus oranges follows the Benue Investment and Property Company Limited (BIPC) testing the facilities at the Benfruit Orange Juice Factory, which has recently been revitalized by the Benue State Government.
An orange farmer, Aondona Ayua-Jov, who spoke with Daily Post, expressed his gratitude that the Benue State Government is stepping in to assist them.
He mentioned that he currently has over a hundred bags of oranges and is still searching for a buyer, even at the rate of N1,000 per bag.
Why is the Benue State Government mopping up surplus oranges?
The government is addressing the issue of falling prices and the lack of storage facilities for oranges, which has led to an oversupply of the fruit.
What is the current price of oranges in Benue State?
The current farm price for a 100 kg bag of oranges is N1,000.
How do market dynamics affect farmers in Benue State?
Farmers are often forced to sell their oranges at lower prices due to the actions of buyers and middlemen, who delay purchases to take advantage of the farmers' urgency to sell.
What are farmers saying about the government's intervention?
Farmers, such as Aondona Ayua-Jov, have expressed their appreciation for the government's intervention, seeing it as a much-needed support to help them sell their surplus oranges.
