The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari on Saturday, disclosed the Federal Government’s target of one point two five million tonnes of wheat production for the 2023/2024 dry season farming.
Kyari, speaking in Jigawa State, maintained that with the declaration of the State of Emergency in Nigeria’s Food Security on July 13th, there is renewed hope for Nigerians’ access to food and nutrition.
According to him, the dry season farming is an integral part of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and AgroPocket Project.
He said: “By force of its very essence, dry season farming offers us a unique opportunity to harness the untapped potential of our land and diversify Nigeria’s food production capabilities.
‘Indeed, its importance cannot be overstated, as it allows us to overcome seasonal limitations and meet the demands of our growing population while also bolstering our economy.
“The dry season farming is an integral part of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and AgroPocket (NAGS-AP) Project, made possible by a $134 million loan facility advanced to Nigeria by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and encapsulates this Administration’s resolve to expand the capacity of our farmers to engage in the cultivation of key staples like rice, maize, cassava and wheat, across the country.
“The aim is to increase crop yield by at least 20 per cent compared to the previous year. These high-value staples will be joined by others like soybeans and sorghum in the wet season.
“Our farmers remain our most prized assets as a Nation, given that they produce the bulk of the food consumed in-country. As such, His Excellency Mr. President has charged us to ensure that they are adequately supported to increase their productivity.
“In this regard, we have set ambitious targets. In wheat alone, we aim to support between 150,000 to 250,000 farmers with 50% input subsidy to cultivate between 200,000 to 250,000 hectares and an expected yield of 1,250,000 tonnes of wheat.
“Other selected staples are earmarked for similar, varied support, all aimed at significantly reducing food inflation, as well as Nigeria’s dependence on foreign import while increasing domestic consumption.
“Ultimately, this will promote agricultural self-sufficiency and stimulate economic growth.”
Meanwhile, the Minister explained that the program will be technology-based which will guarantee transparency and accountability in the provision of the subsidy and other support services like extension, insurance and additional finance.
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