FG set to involve 200,000 farmers in wheat production 

The Federal Government has disclosed that it intends to influence over 200,000 farmers in wheat farming through its National Agro-Growth Scheme – AgroPocket – for the 2023/2024 dry season farming.

According to Mr. I. A. Buba, the NAGS-AP National Coordinator, the project intends to target 100,000 hectares of land to be cultivated by 150,000 to 200,000 farmers for the 2023/2024 dry season farming.

Mr. Buba stated that the government will also provide these farmers with farming inputs such as free seeds, as well as a 50% subsidy on fertilizers, agricultural pumps, and pesticides.

According to AgroNigeria, the project will require approximately 10,000 metric tons of certified seeds to cultivate the 100,000 hectares over the forthcoming dry season. Approximately 6,750 metric tons will be imported from the Republic of Mexico, with the remaining 3,500 metric tons coming from local seed companies that have the necessary seeds.

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The Project Workplan activities, including the cost of the 6,750 metric tons of wheat certified seeds to be imported from Mexico, were estimated to cost $7,425,000.00 and N55,986,301,539.95.

The government is now evaluating locally available certified wheat seeds in the country for immediate procurement in order to satisfy the 3,500 metric tons objective established for planting under the dry season program 2023/2024.

It was also revealed that the government plans to use digital technology to retain correct data and increase program efficiency.

Source: agro Nigeria