The Federal Government is set to provide support for a substantial number of farmers, ranging from 150,000 to 250,000, offering a 50% input subsidy for the cultivation of 200,000 to 250,000 hectares of wheat in the upcoming 2023-2024 Wheat Irrigation Farming Program.

The initiative aims to yield an estimated 1,250,000 tonnes of wheat and is strategically designed to address food inflation, reduce reliance on foreign imports, and enhance domestic consumption.

ALSO READ: Farmers advocate interest rate reduction to enhance food security

During the launch of the 2023-2024 Dry Season Wheat Development Project under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme in Hadejia, Jigawa State, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, assured that the government is committed to ensuring that the support reaches genuine farmers.

The minister highlighted the significance of dry season farming, emphasizing its potential to unlock untapped land resources, overcome seasonal limitations, and meet the demands of a growing population while contributing to economic growth.

Kyari reiterated that dry season farming is a pivotal component of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and AgroPocket (NAGS-AP) Project, facilitated by a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB).

The program aligns with the administration’s determination, led by President Tinubu, to enhance farmers’ capacity in cultivating key staples such as rice, maize, cassava, and wheat nationwide.

The minister outlined the program’s objectives, emphasizing a targeted increase of at least 20% in crop yield compared to the previous year.

In addition to staples like rice and maize, the initiative will include soybeans and sorghum during the wet season.

Kyari highlighted the technology-enabled nature of the program, ensuring transparency and accountability in providing subsidies and support services such as extension, insurance, and additional finance.

ALSO READ: Tinubu orders security agencies to rescue abducted students in Zamfara

He also underscored farmers’ access to improved seeds, particularly the deployment of heat-tolerant wheat varieties like Borlaug 100 and Attila.

Moreover, the government plans to invest progressively in irrigation infrastructure projects to optimize water usage and address challenges posed by the dry season.