The Federal Government has supported 343,187 farmers under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro Pocket Project (NAGS-AP) over the past two farming seasons to improve staple food production across Nigeria.
This initiative is part of an ongoing effort to bolster food security and ensure a sustainable agricultural output nationwide.
During the 2024/2025 dry season farming launch in Calabar, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, provided a breakdown of the project’s reach.
In the 2023/2024 season, the program supported 107,429 wheat farmers in its first phase, followed by 43,997 rice farmers in the second phase.
However, the scheme benefited 192,095 farmers growing rice, maize, sorghum, millet, soybean, and cassava during the 2024 wet season across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The initiative is funded by a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB), specifically aimed at increasing the production of staple crops like wheat, rice, maize, and sorghum.
Senator Kyari noted that the reintroduction of national dry season farming under NAGS-AP is a strategic step to achieve year-round production, ultimately aimed at ensuring food and nutrition security across the nation.
Highlighting the government’s commitment, Kyari emphasized the program’s alignment with President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a national food production emergency.
The government’s objective is to make quality food affordable and accessible for all Nigerians. To improve the project’s impact, the ministry has reviewed its operational standards to address emerging challenges and enhance program efficiency. Stakeholders are encouraged to adhere strictly to these standards.
Kyari also noted that Cross River State was strategically chosen for wheat production due to its favorable climatic conditions.
The ministry, in collaboration with the Cross River State Government, seeks to establish the state as a key wheat producer beginning this dry season.
Representing the state’s governor, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Odey reaffirmed Cross River’s commitment to the initiative, underscoring the benefits of dry season farming, including improved irrigation and increased food production.
This project marks a significant stride in Nigeria’s efforts to achieve sustainable agricultural growth and enhance food security amidst global and regional challenges.