The Federal Government of Nigeria has secured a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support farmers and enhance seed and grain production nationwide. This funding was announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, at the launch of the 2024/2025 National Dry Season Farming program in Calabar, alongside Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey.
A statement from Eremah Anthonia, Chief Information Officer for the Ministry, highlighted that this loan facility aligns with the government’s push to ensure food security through the revival of dry season farming. The project is a core component of the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme-Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP), designed to bolster Nigeria’s agricultural output year-round.
Kyari emphasized that the federal government has declared an emergency on food production, aiming to provide Nigerians with quality, affordable food. The loan will support the cultivation of staple crops such as wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybeans, and cassava in both dry and wet seasons, a strategic move expected to drive economic recovery by revitalizing agriculture.
The minister shared further insights on the program’s progress, noting that phase one of the 2023/2024 dry season initiative supported 107,429 wheat farmers, while 43,997 rice farmers benefited in the second phase. Additionally, during the 2024 wet season, 192,095 farmers received support across all 37 states and the FCT, covering rice, maize, sorghum, millet, soybeans, and cassava.
In Cross River State, over 3,000 wheat farmers will receive support under this program, positioning the state among the leaders in wheat production. This partnership, according to Kyari, underscores the federal government’s commitment to launching the wheat production project in Cross River as part of the 2024/2025 dry season farming plan.
The program will target 250,000 wheat farmers and provide subsidized inputs to cultivate 250,000 hectares, projecting a yield of 750,000 metric tons. This output is expected to boost national food reserves, decrease import dependency, and enhance local consumption. Similarly, 150,000 rice farmers are set to benefit in phase two across all states, with an anticipated production of 450,000 metric tons.
Mr. Buba Ishaku, National Project Coordinator for NAGS-AP, emphasized that the initiative will roll out in two phases, equipping farmers with high-quality seeds and grains. The flag-off event brought together international development partners, state commissioners, and permanent secretaries, reflecting a collaborative effort to secure Nigeria’s food supply and economic stability.
