The federal government has estimated a revenue generation of N1.2 trillion from the first phase of the 2024/2025 dry-season wheat farming programme under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP).
The phase production programme spanned 16 wheat-producing states of Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, Zamfara and Cross River with targeted cultivation of 280,000 hectares nationwide.
In November 2024, minister of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari flagged-off the dry-season wheat farming in Cross River State.
NAGS-AP national coordinator, Isaku Buba told journalists in Abuja that a total of 279,297 farmers, representing 99.75% of the target have been provided with 50% subsidised inputs for the farming interventions.
Using an estimation of 3 tons/ha, Buba projected a yield of about 837,891 metric tons of wheat, valued at over N1.2 trillion on N1.5 million per metric ton.
During his presentation, he noted that the programme is projected to generate significant economic benefits, including increased farmer incomes and stabilised agricultural markets while reduced food prices.
Additionally, he noted that the initiative will contribute to national food security by reducing dependence on imports and promoting local production.
The African Development Bank (AfDB), through its $134 million African Emergency Food Production Facility (AEFPF) has played a key role in financing the project while the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security are collaborating to ensure seamless execution.
Buba explained that an initial disbursement of $99.65 million has already been utilised, while a second tranche of $34 million is being deployed to implement subsequent phases.
He noted “Despite its successes, the program faces challenges such as farmers’ inability to meet counterpart funding, limited capacity among some agro-dealers, and logistical issues in remote areas.
To address these, the government has improved farmer sensitisation, streamlined operational procedures, and strengthened partnerships with private sector players”.
Buba disclosed that the second phase of the 2024/2025 dry-season programme will focus on rice production in both southern and northern states, with implementation scheduled between January and March 2025.
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