FG targets 16 states for higher wheat production

From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri

The Federal Government is targeting sixteen states for higher wheat production under its National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) project, a food security programme.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Abubakar Kyari disclosed this yesterday at the launch of the NAGS-AP project in Maiduguri, Borno State capital.

The minister listed some of the states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara. He said wheat production is a component of the NAGS-AP project which covers the 16 states.

The minister explained that the inclusion of Cross River on expanded wheat production into the southern region last year, for the first time, is to strengthen national capacity to diversify production across ecological zones.

“This national framework further reinforces the importance of interventions like the NAGS-AP Project, which continues to deliver targeted support to farmers and contribute meaningfully to increased food production across the country,” he disclosed.

He said the FG is providing quality inputs and good extension services to farmers for the success of the NAGS-AP project. He said the project is driving measurable gains in productivity and strengthening the systems that support the growth of the country’s agricultural economy.

“Launching this programme here reflects our confidence in Borno’s potential and our collective commitment to building a more prosperous and secure future for Nigeria through sustained agricultural development,” he stated.

The minister said the project targets over 6,000 farmers, aiming at strengthening food security and expanding local production.

Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum commended the food initiative of President Bola Tinubu.

He said the distributed inputs include high-yielding wheat seeds, blended fertilisers, tractors, and pesticides, will boost high production in the state.