Salisu Danjuma, a seasoned entrepreneur from Difa in Gombe State, Nigeria, has carved a thriving livelihood from tomato cultivation, showcasing the potential of agriculture as a lucrative and sustainable income source. For the past 15 years, Danjuma has dedicated himself to tomato farming, reaping significant financial rewards while also contributing to his community by providing employment opportunities for approximately 70 young people. His annual income from tomato farming surpasses N2.5 million, a testament to the profitability of this agricultural venture, particularly during the dry season when he concentrates his efforts on tomato cultivation. This income not only allows Danjuma to support his family comfortably but also enables him to create jobs for others, empowering them to earn a living.
Danjuma’s farming operation is a well-oiled machine, operating on a consistent schedule during the dry season. Each week, he harvests over 55 large baskets of tomatoes, which are then transported and sold to markets in Enugu, Rivers, and other states in southern Nigeria. This consistent supply chain and access to wider markets are key factors contributing to his financial success. The price of his tomatoes varies depending on the size of the basket, with large baskets fetching N11,000 each and medium-sized baskets selling for N8,000. This pricing strategy allows him to cater to different market segments and maximize his earnings. Danjuma’s success story highlights the potential of agriculture to not only provide individual financial stability but also to bolster local economies through job creation and trade.
Despite the profitability of his tomato farming enterprise, Danjuma faces challenges, particularly the escalating costs of essential inputs like fertilizers and agrochemicals. These rising costs eat into his profits, highlighting a common hurdle faced by farmers, particularly those engaged in irrigation farming, which is inherently more expensive than rain-fed agriculture. The need for consistent water supply, pumping equipment, and maintenance contribute to the increased operational costs. However, Danjuma remains undeterred, recognizing the long-term benefits and potential of irrigation farming, especially in a region where water scarcity can be a limiting factor during the dry season. He emphasizes the importance of utilizing available water resources for year-round cultivation, demonstrating his proactive approach to overcoming challenges and ensuring a consistent income stream.
Recognizing the transformative power of agriculture, Danjuma actively encourages youth engagement in the sector. He urges young people to explore the opportunities available in agriculture, particularly through irrigation farming, which allows for continuous cultivation regardless of seasonal rainfall. He believes that with the right approach and utilization of available resources, agriculture can offer a more reliable income source than relying solely on government employment. Danjuma’s own experience serves as a compelling example of how entrepreneurial spirit and hard work in agriculture can lead to financial independence and community development. His constant activity, shifting his farming operations to different land during the wet season to avoid flooding, underscores his dedication and resourcefulness.
Danjuma is not only a successful farmer but also an advocate for increased government support for the agricultural sector. He calls on the Gombe State government to invest more in irrigation infrastructure to facilitate dry season farming, arguing that this is crucial for achieving food security. Recognizing the limitations of relying solely on rain-fed agriculture, he emphasizes the importance of expanding irrigation facilities to enable year-round crop production, thereby increasing food availability and reducing dependence on seasonal harvests. This, he believes, would not only boost agricultural output but also create more employment opportunities for the youth, addressing the issue of unemployment in the state.
Furthermore, Danjuma highlights the need for post-harvest processing facilities to minimize losses and maximize the value of agricultural produce. He appeals to the government to provide mini-processing plants, which would enable farmers to process their harvests and reduce spoilage, thereby increasing their income and contributing to a more efficient agricultural value chain. This would not only benefit individual farmers but also enhance the overall economic viability of the agricultural sector in Gombe State. Danjuma’s vision for a more robust and resilient agricultural sector underscores the interconnectedness of farming practices, government support, and economic development. His story serves as a compelling case study of how individual initiative combined with strategic investments can unlock the full potential of agriculture for sustainable growth and community prosperity.
