The Federal Government has concluded plans to support over 250,000 farmers with 50 per cent input subsidy to produce 1,250,000 tonnes of wheat.
Minister of Agriculture, Senator Abubakar Kyari, reaffirms President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to advancing agricultural sector development.
According to him, boosting food production in the country is part of the major aims and policies of the administration.
Kyari spoke at the inauguration of the 2023/2024 Dry Season Farming under the National Agricultural Growth and Agro-pocket in Kadume, Hadejia Local Government Area, Jigawa state.
“He observed that the African Development Bank finances dry season farming, a key component of NAGS-AP, with a $134m loan. This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to boost farmers’ capacity in cultivating staples like rice, maize, cassava, and wheat nationwide.
He said that the aim is to increase crop yield by at least 20% compared to the previous year.
Kyari added, ‘In the wet season, high-value staples like soybeans and sorghum will join others. Our farmers, as the primary producers of the nation’s food, are our invaluable assets. As such, His Excellency Mr. President has charged us to ensure that they are adequately supported to increase their productivity”
“We have set ambitious targets. “For wheat, our goal is to assist 150,000 to 250,000 farmers with a 50% input subsidy, cultivating 200,000 to 250,000 hectares, targeting a yield of 1,250,000 tonnes. Similar support is planned for other staples to reduce food inflation and decrease reliance on foreign imports, boosting domestic consumption.”
He added that the gesture will promote agricultural self-sufficiency and stimulate economic growth.
“To achieve our goals, government is committed to ensure that the support does get to the farmer. The program will leverage technology for transparency and accountability in providing subsidies and additional support services such as extension, insurance, and finance.
“I would like to point out that we are deploying heat tolerant wheat varieties like Borlaug 100; Attila etc. Additionally, we’ll invest in irrigation projects to enhance water use and address dry season challenges,” he stated.
In his remarks Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar A. Namadi highlighted that his administration’s 12-Point Agenda focuses on food security, economic diversification, job creation, sustainable livelihoods, and poverty reduction.
He stated that, under our 12-Point Agenda, the vision is to maximize Jigawa State’s agricultural potential through year-round production, expanding cultivation of fadama lands, enhancing irrigation facilities, and involving more youth in agriculture and its value chain.
“On behalf of Jigawa State and thousands of participating farmers nationwide, I express gratitude to the Federal Government. Thanks for choosing Jigawa, expanding project coverage, and providing crucial support for the success of the wheat program.”
He hinted that, after almost four decades, the Hadejia Valley Project, initiated by the Late Shagari Administration in the early 1980s, is still less than 25% completed.
Governor Namadi noted that after the 2018 project kickoff, former President Muhammad Buhari commissioned the successful completion of a 6,000-hectare segment earlier this year.
” There is no doubt that has significantly contributed to our quest for food security, job creation, and economic diversification. Despite this significant stride, however, there is still a long way to go considering the Project’s potentials.
” It is my prayer that the Tinubu Administration will make history by completing the project 100 per cent.”
