The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, articulated the Federal Government’s robust efforts to curtail the importation of wheat seeds in the coming four to five years. This endeavor aims to address the pressing issue of depleting foreign reserves resulting from wheat seed imports.
To ensure the success of this initiative, the Federal Government has introduced a substantial 50% subsidy for wheat farmers engaging in dry-season farming. This strategic move is designed to stimulate significant wheat grain production within the country.
Minister Kyari conveyed these important developments to journalists during his visit to various wheat seed production facilities in Kano. He expressed his contentment with the growing local production of wheat seeds, emphasizing its pivotal role in transforming the agricultural landscape.
Kyari affirmed the government’s unwavering dedication to the pursuit of substantial wheat production in the forthcoming dry season farming cycles. The aim is not only to meet domestic demands but also to boost the country’s capacity for foreign exports, contributing to agricultural sustainability and economic growth.
He explained that President Bola Tinubu’s renewed agenda was aimed at making sure that Nigeria secured food production.
He stated, “Jigawa State has shown a lot of interest in wheat farming by providing 40,000 hectares of land for wheat farming, closing on the 70,000 hectares set aside by the Federal Government to achieve this year.
“The breeder and foundation seeds were checked before it became satisfied to phase out wheat importation before next year’s irrigation farming. This is because importation of wheat is taking a lot of Nigeria’s foreign reserves.”
He added, “In the next four to five years, with the programs set out, Nigeria will completely stop the importation of wheat seeds and be self-sufficient, which would enhance food production and security.”
