Federal Gov’t Targets 472,000 Metric Tonnes In Dry Season Wheat Production

The Federal Government has announced its goal to achieve an estimated 472,000 metric tonnes of wheat production at the conclusion of the wheat production program’s implementation period.

Mr. Ishaku Buba, National Project Coordinator for the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP), made this statement at the NAGS-AP Stakeholders Review and Planning meeting on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba revealed that the target was set at an average yield of four metric tonnes per hectare across the 15 wheat-producing states, which include Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.

The stakeholders convened to review the implementation of the 2023/2024 dry season wheat production in these states, based on their respective comparative advantages. The meeting also served as a preparatory session to chart a new course for the second phase of rice, maize, and cassava production.

Buba explained that the 2023/2024 dry season program, executed through the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) project, focused on four major crops: wheat, rice, maize, and cassava. The program commenced with wheat production in the 15 wheat-producing states due to the time-specific nature of the crop, particularly its fixed planting window.

“The implementation under the 2023/2024 dry season program was then designed to be carried out in two phases (i.e., wheat value chain from Nov. 15, 2023, to Dec.15, 2023, later extended to Dec. 20, 2023, for Jigawa and Borno, while rice, maize, and cassava value chains were slated for January to February,” he said.

Buba reported that out of the targeted 123,000 hectares, 118,657 hectares were redeemed, representing a 96.47% achievement as of Dec. 21, 2023. The expectation is to realize approximately 472,000 metric tonnes of wheat product at an average yield of 4 metric tons per hectare by the end of the wheat production program.

However, Buba acknowledged challenges during the program, including network interruptions, poor availability of the network or limited release of SMS messages, leading to farmers being idle for certain periods.

In her address, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Alade, Acting Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, commended the dedication and hard work of those involved in the program. She acknowledged the success achieved with a 97% redemption rate. Alade also acknowledged challenges such as round-tripping and rogue elements within various ranks seeking negative profit from the program.

Mr. Azeez Olumuyiwa, a representative of the African Development Bank (AfDB), conveyed a goodwill message, assuring continued support for the NAGS-AP project.

(NAN)