Corn popularly known in this part of Nigeria with its local name “Oka” is recognized as one of the world’s most productive and dominant crops.
It is grown extensively as food for humans and livestock and can also serve as raw material for other products.
According to research, Corn is the third largest plant-based food source in the world and a very quick-growing and productive crop that can easily grow anywhere.
However, despite its accessibility and easy to be cultivated, the cost of the crop especially on the road sides of Nigeria where it is sold roasted or boiled, has been on a sporadic increase.
ABS correspondent Blessing Dennis, spoke with some roasted corn vendors in Awka to know why it has been this costly.
Mrs Charity Okeke, who sells corn at popular Ukwu-orji axis in Awka blamed the high cost of corn on the hike in the cost of fertilizers, and farmer’s inability to access inputs.
She said they now buy at double the price from farmers and sell a cob between one hundred and two hundred naira depending on the size.
Another vendor, Mrs Kelechi Samuel explained that she believes that there is dignity in labour and that is why she has remained in the business despite the losses they incur from the court high cost.
She also offered an explanation into the cost of corn, saying that pesticides are now very costly and farmers lost many of their produce to pests.
On her part, Mrs Ifeoma Onuora used the opportunity to plead with the state government to create better avenues for farmers who are not engaged in large scale farming to be given access to funding and farm produce under the “Ugbo Azu Uno” initiative.
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