Nigeria : 2,000 Niger wheat farmers get FG’s inputs
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture distributed inputs to 2,000 wheat farmers in Niger State under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket. The initiative, aimed at self-sufficiency in wheat production, provides mechanized farming tools, fertilizers, and improved seeds. Farmers, transitioning from peasant to mechanized farming, now achieve three tonnes per hectare, boosting productivity and reducing Nigeria’s reliance on wheat imports.
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, on Thursday, distributed farming inputs to 2,000 wheat farmers in Niger State as part of its dry-season wheat farming initiative.
The initiative, under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket, aims to enhance wheat production and ensure self-sufficiency in Nigeria.
The distribution took place in Garafini and Swashi communities of the Borgu Local Government Area, covering 2,000 hectares of land using mechanised farming techniques.
The National Project Officer of NAGS-AP,Mr. Ishaku Buba, represented by Musaku Emmanuel, said, “This initiative is expected to improve the living conditions of the community and address the shortfall of wheat production in the country.”
“SMK Nigeria Limited provides the farmers with NPK and Urea fertilizers as well as certified and improved seeds of wheat,” he said.
Buba added that the scheme aligned with the Federal Government’s efforts to boost wheat production and reduce reliance on imports.
The District Head of Garafini and a wheat farmer, Alhaji Adamu Jibril, praised the initiative for its potential to transform the local economy.
“This initiative is aimed at improving the livelihoods of my subjects and creating a sustainable economy,” he noted.
A farmer, Samaila Isamil, expressed optimism about the transition to mechanised farming and its impact on productivity.
“With the modern techniques, we have moved from peasant farming to mechanised farming, using tractors and planters to enhance our productivity. 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,” he said.
Isamil emphasised that with such advancements, wheat importation in Nigeria could soon become obsolete, and the scheme would inspire more farmers to adopt wheat farming.
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Source : Punch
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