Empowering Niger Farmers: FG’s Bold Move to Revolutionize Wheat Production.(photo/NAN)
(EPICSTORIAN )– The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has distributed inputs to bolster dry-season wheat farming for the 2024/2025 season in Nigeria State, providing critical support to 2,000 farmers.
This initiative is part of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), designed to drive Nigeria toward self-sufficiency in wheat production.
Speaking at the distribution event in Garafini and Swashi communities, Mr. Ishaku Buba, the National Project Officer of NAGS-AP, highlighted the program’s transformative impact.
Represented by Musaku Emmanuel, Buba stated, “This initiative is expected to improve the living conditions of these communities and address the country’s wheat production shortfall.”
Mechanisation Revolutionizes Wheat Farming
The scheme, which covers 2,000 hectares of farmland across the two communities, employs mechanised farming techniques to increase productivity. According to Buba, the farmers received high-quality NPK and urea fertilizers along with certified improved wheat seeds, supplied by SMK Nigeria Limited.
The District Head of Garafini, Alhaji Adamu Jibril, commended the federal government’s efforts. “This initiative is not just about boosting wheat production but also about creating a sustainable economy and improving livelihoods,” he remarked.
Farmers Embrace Modern Techniques
Farmers in the region expressed optimism about the initiative’s potential to transform their agricultural practices and enhance yields. One of the beneficiaries, Samaila Ismail, shared his experience: “With modern techniques, we’ve transitioned from peasant farming to mechanised farming, using tractors and planters to enhance productivity.”
Ismail explained that the adoption of mechanisation has significantly increased their output. “Previously, we harvested half a tonne per hectare, but now we can achieve three tonnes per hectare, equivalent to 30 bags of wheat,” he added.
Reducing Wheat Importation
The initiative is a strategic move to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on wheat imports, a long-standing challenge for the agricultural sector. “With this scheme, wheat importation will soon become a thing of the past in Nigeria,” Ismail stated confidently.
According to the Federal government, the support provided through NAGS-AP is expected to attract more farmers to wheat cultivation, ensuring a sustainable supply chain and enhancing food security nationwide.
Collaboration for National Growth
The program reflects a collaborative effort between the federal government and private sector partners to achieve agricultural self-sufficiency. By equipping farmers with modern tools and resources, the federal initiative seeks boost agricultural productivity and improve rural livelihoods.
From past administrations, the Nigerian government, in efforts to respond to citizens‘ needs, has continued its push for agricultural transformation , and the success of programs like NAGS-AP serves as a testament to the potential of mechanised farming to uplift communities and reduce imports dependency.
