The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched an initiative to boost wheat production in Nigeria, with a focus on supporting 2,000 farmers in Niger for dry season farming.
According to the National Project Officer of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), Mr. Ishaku Baba, the scheme aims to improve the living conditions of the community and address the shortfall of wheat production in the country.
The initiative is in collaboration with SMK Nigeria Limited and is part of the Federal government’s efforts to boost wheat production in the country.
Buba who was represented by Musaku Emmanuel, from Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, noted that the scheme provides farmers with NPK and Urea fertilizers as well as certified and improved seeds of wheat.
The scheme is targeting 2,000 farmers in two clusters and has taken off on 2,000 hectares of land in Garafini and Swashi communities in Borgu local government area.
The farmers are using mechanized farming methods, which are expected to enhance their productivity.
The District Head of Garafini, Alhaji Adamu Jibril who is also a wheat farmer, expressed his happiness over the gesture.
“This initiative is aimed at improving the livelihoods of my subjects, especially from poverty, and creating a sustainable economy,” he said.
A farmer, with SMK Nigeria Limited, Samaila Ismail, commended the Federal government and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security for the initiative.
“With the modern techniques, we have moved from peasant farming to mechanised farming, using tractors and planters to enhance our productivity,” he said.
Ismail noted that the initiative has improved their yield, saying “In the past, we used to get half a tonne per hectare, but now we can get three tonnes per hectare, which is 30 bags of wheat.”
The Federal government’s initiative is part of its efforts to boost agricultural production and reduce dependence on imported wheat.
The National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) project is expected to enhance agricultural productivity and boost economic growth.
The project is also expected to provide employment opportunities for youths in the area.
The District Head of Garafini noted that the initiative would improve the livelihoods of his subjects, especially from poverty, and create a sustainable economy.
Meanwhile, NAGS-AP project is a critical part of the Federal government’s efforts to boost agricultural production and reduce dependence on imported wheat.
