Abuja: The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, has announced that wheat farmers are anticipating a bumper harvest this year, attributing this to substantial support from the Federal Government. Speaking at a media parley with State House correspondents, he emphasized the successful implementation of the first phase of the dry season wheat production program for 2024-2025, which concluded on December 27, 2024.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the program supported approximately 300,000 farmers in cultivating 150,000 hectares, allowing each farmer to manage half a hectare. The Federal Government provided a 75 percent subsidy on wheat seeds, requiring farmers to cover the remaining 25 percent. Additionally, fertiliser costs were shared equally between the government and farmers, reflecting the approach used in the previous year.
Sen. Kyari expressed optimism regarding the upcoming harvests expected between March and April. He noted that the increased interest among farmers to cultivate wheat was driven by its lucrative potential. Furthermore, he highlighted a significant milestone with Cross River becoming the first southern state to engage in wheat production, joining 15 northern states in this endeavor.
The minister elaborated on the pilot scheme in the northern part of Cross River, where wheat is grown during the cold season under irrigation. Plans are also underway to explore wet season wheat cultivation in temperate highland areas such as Taraba, Plateau, and Cross River.
Positive harvest reports from various regions for the 2024 farming season were also mentioned, indicating yields surpassing those of the previous year for major staple crops. The minister outlined future plans, including the continuation of dry season cultivation into 2025. The dry season initiative was launched in Cross River on November 14, 2024, during the 46th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security held at the International Convention Centre, Calabar.