Dry Season: FG supports 8,000 wheat farmers in Gombe with inputs
The Federal Government of Nigeria has extended significant support to no fewer than 8,000 wheat farmers in Gombe State, providing subsidised agricultural inputs to enhance dry-season wheat cultivation. This initiative aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, emphasizing agricultural productivity and food security.
Dr. Ibrahim Bomoi, the State Coordinator for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, disclosed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). According to Bomoi, the intervention involves a 50% subsidy on fertilisers and a 75% subsidy on wheat seeds. Each farmer is entitled to two bags of NPK fertilisers, one bag of 50kg Urea, and one bag of 50kg wheat seeds. Farmers from four local government areas—Nafada, Kaltungo, Yamaltu Deba, and Dukku—were selected to benefit from the program.
The distribution process has commenced, with all inputs expected to reach farmers within 10 days. Aggregators have been assigned to each cluster of wheat farmers to ensure market stability and proper utilisation of inputs, mitigating the risks of overproduction and waste. This support builds on earlier efforts during the wet season, where over 6,000 farmers were supported to cultivate sorghum, rice, and maize.
Dr. Bomoi urged farmers to maximise this opportunity by ensuring optimal use of the inputs for improved yields and overall productivity.
Source- Punch
Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
The Federal Government’s intervention in Gombe State’s wheat farming sector is a strategic step towards bolstering dry-season agriculture, diversifying Nigeria’s crop portfolio, and enhancing food security. Wheat is a high-demand crop in Nigeria, primarily due to its extensive use in food processing industries. Supporting farmers with subsidies reduces the financial burden of input costs, which is critical given the capital-intensive nature of wheat farming.
Key Implications for Stakeholders:
1. Boost in Wheat Production: The intervention is expected to increase local wheat output, potentially reducing Nigeria’s dependency on wheat imports. This aligns with broader goals of achieving self-sufficiency in staple crops.
2. Economic Opportunities: By assigning aggregators to manage clusters, the program not only stabilises prices but also creates ancillary employment opportunities, such as logistics, aggregation, and processing.
3. Market Dynamics: Stakeholders, including agri-food processors, should anticipate improved availability of wheat, potentially at lower costs due to increased supply. This may lower production costs for bread, flour, and other wheat-based products.
4. Sustainability: Ensuring that farmers utilise the inputs properly is crucial. Training and monitoring mechanisms should be enhanced to maintain the program’s integrity and maximise returns.
5. Future Investments: This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to agricultural development. Investors and stakeholders should explore opportunities in the wheat value chain, including storage, processing, and export potential.
6. Climate Considerations: Dry-season farming relies on irrigation. Stakeholders should advocate for and invest in efficient water management systems to support sustainable wheat production.
This program, if effectively managed, can serve as a model for similar agricultural interventions across Nigeria, fostering resilience and growth in the nation’s agri-food sector.
