The Federal Government has pledged to support approximately 250,000 wheat farmers with a 50% input subsidy during the 2023/2024 dry season. This initiative aims to cultivate about 250,000 hectares of land and produce over 1.2 million tonnes of wheat.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, announced this during the flag-off ceremony of the dry season farming program at Kadume Village in Jigawa State. He emphasized that this initiative is part of the broader National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Project, funded by a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank.
“The dry season farming is an integral part of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and AgroPocket Project, made possible by a $134 million loan facility advanced to Nigeria by the African Development Bank.
“The aim is to increase crop yield by at least 20 per cent compared to the previous year. These high-value staples will be joined by others like soybeans and sorghum in the wet season.
“Other selected staples are earmarked for similar, varied support, all aimed at significantly reducing food inflation, as well as Nigeria’s dependence on foreign import while increasing domestic consumption,” the minister said.
The minister further explained that other selected staples will receive similar, varied support, all aimed at significantly reducing food inflation, minimizing Nigeria’s dependence on foreign imports, and boosting domestic consumption. This, in turn, will promote agricultural self-sufficiency and stimulate economic growth.
To ensure transparency and accountability, the program will leverage technology to monitor the distribution of subsidies and other support services, such as extension services, insurance, and additional finance.
Farmers will be provided with improved seeds, including heat-tolerant wheat varieties like Borlaug 100 and Attila, to enhance their productivity. Additionally, the government will invest in irrigation infrastructure projects to optimize water usage and mitigate the challenges posed by the dry season.
The minister urged farmers nationwide to embrace the dry season farming initiative, emphasizing its potential to usher in a new era of agricultural prosperity and secure a brighter future for Nigeria.
Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi, commended the Federal Government for launching the Wheat Development Program in his state, highlighting Jigawa’s position as a leading producer of rice, sesame, and hibiscus, among other crops.
He also acknowledged the state’s vast potential to contribute to wheat production, with the capacity to dedicate up to 200,000 hectares for wheat cultivation.
