In 2025, the Federal Government hopes to produce N1.25 trillion worth of wheat.
The objective is a component of the current National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-pocket Project, a platform that distributes subsidized agricultural inputs to registered farmers across the country with the goal of enhancing food security.
This was revealed by NAGS-AP’s National Project Coordinator, Ishaku Buba, during a workshop for media professionals on Wednesday in Abuja with the theme “Building Partnerships with the Media for Food Security.”
According to him, the goal of the 2024–2025 dry season wheat production program is to reach 280,000 farmers in 16 wheat-producing states.
“With an estimated yield of 837,891 metric tons, we have already reached over 279,000 farmers,” he said.
“We anticipate that wheat production will increase significantly, and the anticipated output will generate revenue exceeding N1.25 trillion,” Buba said.
In the chosen states, this program uses a network of agro-dealers and 409 redemption centers as part of a strong distribution infrastructure.
According to Buba, around 628,000 farmers have received inputs for a variety of crops, including rice and wheat, and 647,500 farmers have registered on the platform thus far.
Additionally, the initiative is expected to grow, with more farmers in Nigeria receiving assistance during the dry and wet seasons.
According to him, the program has already shown success in the dry season of 2023–2024, with the wheat production program attaining a success rate of around 97% and providing agricultural assistance to more than 118,000 farmers throughout 15 states.
“We are now getting ready for the next stage of wheat production, and the impact has been encouraging,” Buba continued.”The NAGS-AP framework, supported by ICT, will ensure seamless implementation and accountability, and we are on track to meet our targets,” Buba stated.
In order to achieve food security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized the significance of a solid collaboration between the Ministry and the media.
Ogunbiyi emphasized that the ministry’s mission is in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes advancing agricultural development, boosting food security, generating employment, and raising farmers’ standard of living.
Negative narratives can be significantly altered by the press. I urge you to make the most of this opportunity to raise awareness among Nigerians and inspire a revitalized passion for farming. We can grow our country and feed ourselves if we work together,” he remarked.
In order to increase production, he also asked the media to help the Ministry’s efforts by informing farmers about different farming techniques, farm inputs, and agricultural practices.
“You will be in a unique position to educate farmers on methodologies, input availability, and how these can be accessed to improve their yield through your constructive engagements with the Ministry,” he said.
Dr. Joel Oruché, the director of the Department of Information, emphasized in his speech the importance of greater cooperation, particularly in light of the present administration’s emphasis on food security.
“It is your responsibility to keep the public informed about the Ministry’s policies, programs, and activities that affect farmers, particularly smallholder farmers who depend on your ability to inform them about methods, input availability, and application techniques,” he stated.
