The Federal Government has taken a significant step to enhance wheat production by subsidising inputs for 500 farmers in Obudu Local Government Area, Cross River State.
This initiative, expected to yield 500 metric tonnes of wheat, aims to ease farmers’ financial burdens and boost agricultural productivity.
Announcing the intervention at the weekend during the distribution of fertilisers, seeds, and agrochemicals, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, explained that the programme is part of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket Programme.
Represented by Jessem Ubi, Chief Administrative Officer of the Ministry, Kyari disclosed that the Federal Government contributed 75% of the funding, with the Cross River State Government covering the remaining 25%.
Kyari noted that a total of N223 million was allocated for the project—N167 million from the Federal Government and N56 million from Cross River State. The funding also included land preparation costs, enabling each farmer to cultivate one hectare of wheat.
John Shiyam, Special Adviser on Agriculture to the Cross River State Governor, stated that the wheat, cultivated on 500 hectares through irrigation, will be harvested within 85 to 90 days.
He revealed plans to expand cultivation to 3,000 hectares by July 2025, aligning with the rainy season.
Shiyam emphasised the state government’s role in covering costs for farmers unable to meet the 25% financial requirement, ensuring the success of the programme.
He also highlighted the availability of markets, including a flour mill in Calabar and Nigerian Breweries, to absorb the wheat harvest.
Alina Peters, Chairman of the Wheat Farmers Association in Cross River, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government for providing fertilisers and improved seeds and to Governor Bassey Otu for supporting land preparation efforts.