To boost domestic food production, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has embarked on a major initiative to empower farmers in Niger State. Under the auspices of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), a generous distribution of essential agricultural inputs, including high-quality seeds and fertilizers, is currently underway, reaching 2,000 farmers across two thriving communities.
This ambitious endeavor, undertaken in collaboration with the esteemed SMK Nigeria Limited, aims to cultivate 2,000 hectares of fertile land utilizing mechanized farming techniques, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of local communities.
“This initiative is expected to improve the living conditions of the community and address the shortfall of wheat production in the country,” emphasized Mr. Ishaku Buba, National Project Officer of NAGS-AP, during the recent distribution ceremony in Garafini and Swashi communities of Borgu Local Government Area.
This local success story echoes the broader vision of the Federal Government to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production. In a significant step towards this goal, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security recently secured a substantial $134 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to bolster the NAGS-AP Project.
“For the 2024/2025 dry season farming, the project is targeted to support 250,000 wheat farmers across the wheat-producing states with subsidized agricultural inputs to cultivate about 250,000 hectares with an expected output of about 750,000 metric tons of wheat to be added to the food reserve to reduce dependence on importation of the product and also increase domestic consumption,” stated Minister Sen. Abubakar Kyari during the official launch of the 2024/2025 National Dry Season Farming in Calabar.
This strategic investment will not only empower farmers with the necessary resources but also contribute significantly to national food security by bolstering domestic wheat production and reducing reliance on imports.
The initiative, which encompasses 14 key wheat-producing states across the nation, including Kano, Jigawa, and Kebbi, reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to addressing the critical issue of food insecurity. Earlier this year, the government recognized the urgency of the situation and approved a 150-day duty-free window for the importation of essential commodities such as maize, husked brown rice, and wheat, demonstrating a proactive approach to mitigating food shortages.
The ongoing efforts in Niger State, coupled with the broader national strategy, offer a beacon of hope, promising a future where Nigeria can not only meet its domestic food demands but also emerge as a significant player in global agricultural markets.