By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
TOWARDS TACKLING food insecurity and strengthen agricultural output in Nigeria, the Federal Government has obtained a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB).
It was aimed at enhancing the production of grains and seeds nationwide.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, during the flag-off of the 2024/2025 National Dry Season Farming event held in Calabar.
Representing Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, Deputy Governor Peter Odey joined the Minister to emphasize the importance of year-round farming.
Kyari outlined that the funds will support the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme-Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) project, an initiative under which Nigeria declared an emergency on food production.
The scheme aims to make high-quality, nutritious food more accessible and affordable while boosting agricultural productivity and income for local farmers.
The strategy includes both dry and wet season farming to bolster production of essential staples like wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava.
The Minister detailed ongoing efforts, revealing that under the first phase of the 2023/2024 dry season, 107,429 wheat farmers received support, followed by 43,997 rice farmers.
During the 2024 wet season, an additional 192,095 farmers of rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava received assistance across all states, including the Federal Capital Territory.
For the 2024/2025 dry season, Kyari highlighted the government’s commitment to supporting 250,000 wheat farmers across major producing states.
The initiative aims to cultivate 250,000 hectares of wheat, targeting an output of 750,000 metric tons to bolster the national food reserve and reduce dependency on imports.
Similarly, 150,000 rice farmers will receive support to cultivate land expected to yield 450,000 metric tons.
Cross River State was noted as a leader in wheat production, with over 3,000 wheat farmers set to benefit from the programme.
Governor Otu reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to agricultural expansion, committing state resources to further enhance wheat production and fulfill Nigeria’s food security ambitions.
National Project Coordinator of NAGS-AP, Mr. Buba Ishaku, explained that the initiative would roll out in two phases, with direct support in quality seeds and grains to farmers.
The event drew attendance from key stakeholders, international development partners, state agricultural commissioners, and permanent secretaries, all signaling a shared commitment to the federal government’s agricultural development vision.
The event culminated in the official launch of the 2024/2025 dry season farming program by Minister Kyari.
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