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The Nigerian Government is set to commit $134m loan facility given to it by the African Development Bank, AfDB to support 250,000 farmers with 50 percent subsidy of inputs to produce 1,250,000 tons of wheat, as dry season farming programme.
This is in determination of the government of President Bola Tinubu to enhancing the development of agricultural sector aimed at boosting food production in the country.
The minister of Agriculture and food security, Senator Abubakar Kyari disclosed this during the flagg off ceremony of the 2023/2024 Dry Season Farming, under the National Agricultural Growth and Agro-pocket, held in Kadume, Hadejia Local Government area of Jigawa state on Saturday.
He said the dry season farming is an integral part of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and AgroPocket, NAGS-AP, Project, made possible by a $134m loan facility advanced to Nigeria by the AfDB.
He disclosed that the the facility had encapsulated Tinubu’s 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.
Senator Abubakar Kyari explained that the aim is to increase crop yield by at least 20% compared to the previous year.
“These high value staples will be joined by others like soybeans and sorghum in the wet season. Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen, 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”
“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 tons 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.”
The minister maintained that the gesture will promote agricultural self-sufficiency and stimulate economic growth.8
