FG mobilises 80,000 farmers for ₦160bn wheat production push

The Federal Government has announced plans to generate an estimated ₦160 billion from wheat production in the 2025/2026 dry season, as part of efforts to strengthen food sovereignty and significantly cut wheat import dependence.

Abubakar Kyari, minister of Agriculture and Food Security, made this known in Jere, Borno State, at the flag-off of the subsidised input distribution under the National Agricultural Growth and Agro-Pocket Project (NAGS-AP) for the new wheat season, according to a statement from the ministry.

Kyari said the government has earmarked 40,000 hectares and registered 80,000 farmers across the country for the programme, which is expected to deliver wheat valued at ₦160 billion by the end of the season. Borno State, he noted, will play a major role, with 3,000 hectares allocated and 6,000 farmers registered.

The Minister highlighted that the initiative builds on the gains of previous dry-season programmes, which recorded significant output:107,429 farmers supported in the 2023/2024 season, generating ₦474.6 billion in output, adding that 279,297 farmers supported in the 2024/2025 season, with output valued at ₦893.7 billion

Kyari said the 2025/2026 programme will prioritise productivity by strengthening input delivery and ensuring that only certified and traceable seeds, fertiliser blends and crop protection products reach farmers.

Agricultural Extension Agents will be deployed nationwide to guide farmers on modern agronomic practices, while Fertiliser and Seed Quality Control Officers will ensure compliance with national standards.

“The success of any agricultural season depends on the quality of inputs that reach farmers. Without certified seeds and accurate fertiliser blends, the yields we require as a nation will not materialise,” he stressed.

Wheat production under NAGS-AP will span 16 states, including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.

The inclusion of Cross River State has expanded wheat cultivation into the southern region for the first time. The Minister added that NAGS-AP is structured to be socially inclusive.

“NAGS-AP is deliberately designed to leave no one behind. Women and young people must have equitable access to inputs, training and opportunities,” he said

Babagana Zulum, governor of Borno State, commended the Federal Government for sustained investment in irrigation and dry-season farming, describing the programme as vital to the state’s agricultural recovery.

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“Today is more than a ceremony; it is a celebration of hope and resilience,” Zulum said. “Despite displacement, insecurity and climate shocks, Borno remains committed to growing its own food.”

He reiterated the state government’s support for all-season farming through irrigation infrastructure, machinery, improved seeds and agro-inputs

Representing the farmers, Alhaji Haruna Umaru pledged that smallholder farmers would scale up production in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for the agricultural sector.

The event ended with the distribution of subsidised agricultural inputs to farmers across the state.