Plateau wheat farmers hopeful for better harvest

In a significant shift in Plateau State’s agricultural landscape, an increasing number of farmers are diversifying into wheat cultivation, driven by renewed government intervention and a structured market support system. This transition marks a strategic effort to boost wheat production beyond the traditional dry-season farming, leveraging the state’s temperate conditions for both dry and wet-season cultivation.

The Plateau State Government, through its Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has devised a comprehensive framework to address key challenges in wheat production, including access to inputs, commercialization, and market stability. According to Dr. Yilkudi Nengak Elisha, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, the state has not only provided input support for farmers but has also established a dedicated marketing firm to absorb harvested wheat, effectively mitigating longstanding market uncertainties.

With over 25,000 farmers showing interest in wheat cultivation, the government is enhancing its farmer database to create a scalable, sustainable production model. Chairman of the Plateau State Wheat Farmers Association, Major Gabriel Adofikwu (retd.), emphasized that coordinated efforts at both the state and federal levels have rekindled interest in wheat farming, with projections of over 5,000 hectares of wheat cultivation—far surpassing the initial federal target of 1,000 hectares.

The state’s structured approach, including a business model that allows joint venture farming and a ready market, is expected to strengthen Plateau’s wheat value chain. Encouragingly, first-time wheat farmers in Bokkos, like Emmanuel Matur Yohopp and Maren Friday Machen, are optimistic about the new venture, citing the crop’s economic potential and the possibility of expanding production in the wet season.
Source- Daily Trust

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders:
The expansion of wheat farming in Plateau State presents several strategic opportunities and challenges for stakeholders in Nigeria’s agri-food sector. Key takeaways include:

1. Market-Driven Production & Stability
   The introduction of a state-backed marketing firm eliminates one of the biggest hurdles in Nigerian agriculture—market unpredictability. This model, if sustained, could serve as a blueprint for other crops and regions.
2. Cost-Benefit Considerations
   The projected production cost of ₦1.5 million per hectare with a potential return of ₦10 million highlights the profitability of wheat farming. However, ensuring efficiency in land preparation, mechanization, and post-harvest management will be critical to achieving these returns.
3. Value Chain Development & Investment Opportunities
   With wheat farming expanding, there is a growing need for value chain investments in seed supply, mechanized farming, storage, and processing facilities. Agribusiness investors should explore partnerships in these areas to optimize production outcomes.
4. Climate & Sustainability Factors
   Plateau’s unique temperate conditions allow for multi-season wheat farming, offering a competitive advantage. However, sustainable irrigation practices, access to improved seed varieties, and soil fertility management must be prioritized to maintain productivity.
5. Farmer Inclusion & Financial Support
   With over 25,000 farmers expressing interest, access to financing remains crucial. Government-backed credit schemes, private-sector financing, and cooperative funding models should be explored to help smallholder farmers meet production costs and scale operations.

Way Forward for Agribusiness Stakeholders

1. Policy Makers: Should replicate Plateau’s structured approach in other wheat-producing states, ensuring that marketing and financing support mechanisms are institutionalized.
2. Agribusiness Investors: Must seize opportunities in wheat processing, storage, and input supply to support the growing production base.
3. Financial Institutions: Can design tailored loan facilities for wheat farmers to bridge production financing gaps.
4. Farmers & Cooperatives: Should maximize joint venture opportunities and access available support structures to enhance productivity.

With the right policy and private-sector collaboration, Plateau’s wheat initiative could contribute significantly to Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in wheat production and reduce the country’s dependence on imports.