News in brief:
– The Federal Government provided 8,000 wheat farmers in Gombe with subsidised inputs (fertilisers and seeds) for dry-season cultivation.
– Aggregators were assigned to prevent market glut and ensure proper resource utilisation, complementing wet-season farming efforts.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has significantly boosted wheat production in Gombe State, providing 8,000 farmers with subsidised agricultural inputs for dry-season cultivation. Dr Ibrahim Bomoi, the State Coordinator for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, confirmed that this initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Subsidies for wheat cultivation
Each beneficiary received two bags of NPK fertilisers, one bag of 50kg Urea, and one bag of 50kg wheat seeds at subsidised rates. Farmers were required to cover 50% of the cost of fertilisers and 25% of the cost of wheat seeds. These inputs are crucial for wheat farming, known for its high production costs.
The selected farmers hail from four local government areas: Nafada, Kaltungo, Yamaltu Deba, and Dukku. Dr Bomoi noted that the distribution process is ongoing, with all farmers expected to receive their inputs within the next 10 days to begin cultivation promptly.
To avoid overproduction and ensure effective use of resources, the government assigned aggregators to each farming cluster. Aggregators play a key role in coordinating the supply chain, preventing a market glut—a situation where the supply of a product exceeds demand, leading to price drops.
Support for wet and dry season farming
This recent initiative complements previous efforts during the wet season, where over 6,120 farmers in Gombe were supported with inputs to cultivate sorghum, rice, and maize. Bomoi urged the farmers to utilise the inputs judiciously, ensuring optimal yield and income.
Wheat farming is a cost-intensive venture, and the government’s subsidies significantly lower production costs for smallholder farmers. By supporting both wet and dry season farming, the Federal Government is fostering agricultural sustainability and food security in Nigeria.
