80,000 farmers to benefit from input packages as Borno leads implementation of nationwide scheme
The Federal Government has commenced the 2025/2026 dry-season wheat expansion under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), setting an ambitious production goal valued at roughly N160 billion and enrolling 80,000 verified farmers across the country.
The initiative, led by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, was officially unveiled in Borno State by Governor Babagana Umara Zulum at the Jere Bowl in Dusuman, marking one of the most extensive dry-season wheat interventions rolled out under the current administration.
At the launch, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, outlined the scope of the programme, confirming that 16 wheat-producing states have been integrated into the rollout. These include Adamawa, Bauchi, Cross River, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara.
Kyari reaffirmed the government’s production target, stating:
“For the current 2025/2026 season, the programme is targeting 80,000 registered farmers with an expected output value of approximately N160 billion.“Out of the 40,000 hectares earmarked for wheat production this season, 3,000 hectares have been allocated to Borno State, representing 6,000 farmers.”
He added that the programme will broaden to cover additional high-value crops, underscoring the government’s long-term plan to stabilize food supply, increase domestic production capacity, and reduce import dependence.
Zulum praises federal intervention, outlines Borno’s progress
Governor Zulum described the initiative as a critical boost to Borno’s agricultural recovery and a direct reinforcement of state-level investments in irrigation and mechanised farming.
“Here in Borno State, wheat cultivation is not just a programme; it is a transformative initiative,” he said. “Through targeted investments in irrigation, mechanisation, quality inputs, and extension services, we are equipping farmers to achieve higher yields, enhance productivity, and contribute meaningfully to national output.”
He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing food security under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stating:
“Mr President’s commitment to food security and national productivity provides the foundation upon which programmes like this are built.”
Zulum also acknowledged the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Senator Kyari for selecting Borno as a major hub for scaled wheat production. Farmers received input packages that include certified high-yield seedlings, blended fertilizers, tractors, and pesticides. These tools are expected to raise output levels and support the national goal of replacing wheat imports with local production.
Context: Federal Government pursuing wider agricultural transformation
The wheat expansion forms part of a broader agricultural reform agenda. In September, Minister Kyari disclosed that the Federal Government had launched a $3.14 billion agricultural investment programme in partnership with the FAO under the Hand-in-Hand Initiative.
The investment focuses on revamping five high-impact value chains: tomato, cassava, maize, dairy, and fisheries. Kyari emphasized that the goal is to eliminate extreme poverty, strengthen food systems, and advance national food sovereignty while aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP).
