In a major boost to Nigeria’s agricultural sector, Jigawa State has recorded a bumper harvest of wheat, cultivating over 105,000 hectares of the crop. This achievement is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the federal and state governments, which have provided subsidies to farmers, empowering them to increase production.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who toured the farms alongside Governor Umar Namadi on Tuesday, expressed delight at the sight of the thriving wheat farms. “No genuine profit can be equal to agriculture investment,” the Minister boasted, adding that the cultivation of 105,000 hectares of wheat alone is capable of contributing over ₦350 billion to the economy.
This development is a significant step towards bridging the gap between domestic wheat production and national demand. Nigeria, with a population exceeding 200 million, relies heavily on wheat-based foods like bread, noodles, pasta, and semovita. However, domestic wheat production currently accounts for less than 10% of national demand, due to challenges such as inadequate high-quality seeds and limited farmer training.
To address these challenges, the Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN) has launched an initiative aimed at expanding local wheat production, empowering farmers, and enhancing food security. FMAN has been working tirelessly to support wheat farmers, providing training, technical assistance, and access to quality seeds.
The association has also partnered with the Lake Chad Research Institute to release four new wheat varieties, which are expected to increase productivity and meet the quality demands of the milling industry. With the government’s renewed Hope Agenda, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is encouraging women and youths to take advantage of the opportunities in agriculture and contribute to the economy.
As Jigawa State celebrates its wheat revolution, the Minister’s boast about agriculture investments seems less like an exaggeration and more like a prophecy. With the right support and investment, Nigeria’s agricultural sector is poised to become a major driver of economic growth and development.
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