The Federal Government has commenced wheat cultivation in Adamawa, targeting 12,000 farmers under its National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) programme this dry season.
Mr Salihu Jenenso, the NAGS-AP’s state Coordinator, made this known during a media tour at Kapo, one of the farming communities in Fufore Local Government Area of Yola. Jenenso said the NAGS-AP programme was a federal government initiative, designed to boost agricultural production, enhance food security, and empower farmers nationwide.
“The implementation of the NAGS-AP programme has begun with land preparation and the distribution of subsidised farm inputs to farmers.
“Each farmer receives 50kg of wheat seeds, four litres of UREA fertiliser, and NPK fertiliser,” the NAGS-AP’s state coordinator said.
He said that Adamawa had established 16 redemption centres where farmers could register and purchase inputs, adding that some of the centres were in Fufore, Mubi, Gombi, Madagali, Yola North, Yola South, and Song.
According to Jenenso, the aim of the national programme, which began in 16 states in 2023 is to increase wheat production being one of the most consumed foods in the country.
However, Mr Theman Bagale, a farmer and Cluster Head for NAGS-AP programme, commended the federal government for the initiative. Bagale also expressed optimism of achieving high yield this dry farming season.
“In Fufore, farmers are organised into 20 clusters, each comprising five members. We have purchased farm inputs worth N111,000 and land preparation is ongoing,” he said.
Mr Yusuf Musa, Kapo, a community leader; and an agricultural engineer, also expressed gratitude to federal government for initiating the project, saying its potential would positively make a great impact on the community through the supply chain.
Musa, however, warned the programme coordinator against being delayed in the deployment of farm inputs.
He also appealed to the federal government to ensure timely distribution of the necessary implements and support the adoption of mechanised farming in all farming communities.
The assessment tour was aimed at evaluating the state’s preparedness for wheat cultivation under the NAGS-AP initiative.
(NAN)
