The Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, has outlined the Federal Government’s determined efforts to halt the importation of wheat seeds within the next four to five years.
According to The PUNCH, Kyari stressed that this importation trend has been draining the nation’s foreign reserves.
He explained that to foster local wheat production, the government is poised to provide a substantial 50% subsidy to wheat farmers in the upcoming dry season farming.
Speaking to journalists in Kano after inspecting a range of seed wheat productions, Kyari expressed his satisfaction with the progress made in local wheat production.
He emphasized the critical role of local wheat production in achieving the government’s goals.
“We are fully committed to massive wheat production in the upcoming dry season farming, with an eye on both local consumption and export,” Kyari affirmed.
The Minister further explained that the renewed agenda of President Bola Tinubu is geared towards enhancing food security through self-sufficiency in wheat production. Notably, Jigawa State has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to wheat farming, dedicating 40,000 hectares of land, approaching the Federal Government’s target of 70,000 hectares for this year’s production.
To ensure the quality of the wheat seeds, breeders and foundation seeds underwent rigorous scrutiny.
The government’s vision is clear: to phase out the importation of wheat seeds by the next year’s irrigation farming season.
The move is strategic as wheat imports have been a considerable drain on Nigeria’s foreign reserves.
Kyari concluded by asserting, “In the next four to five years, with the programs set out, Nigeria will completely stop importation of wheat seeds and be self-sufficient, which would enhance food production and security.”
