FG Launches Dry Season Farming In Cross River

The federal government has kicked off dry season farming programme in Cross River State in line with food security policy.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, who launched the programme on Thursday, said President Bola Tinubu’s administration placed a high priority on agriculture to drive economic recovery.

Kyari disclosed that the ministry secured a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to boost productivity in key staple crops across the nation.

“I am delighted to be here in Cross River State for the official launch of the 2024/2025 National dry season farming and initiate the maiden wheat cultivation under the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme-Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) Project.

“This administration, led by our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has placed a high priority on agriculture to drive economic recovery and ensure affordable food access for all Nigerians.

“In line with this vision, we secured a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank to boost productivity in key staple crops, including wheat, rice, and maize, for both dry and wet season farming,” Kyari said.

Senator Kyari explained that through the NAGS-AP programme, farmers have been supported nationwide.

He stated that the programme would subsidize 250,000 wheat farmers and 150,000 rice farmers.

He said Cross River State would be enlisted as a wheat-producing state because of the state’s favourable conditions to the crop’s growth.

“The NAGS-AP program has already made significant strides, supporting thousands of farmers nationwide, with plans to provide subsidized agricultural inputs to 250,000 wheat farmers and 150,000 rice farmers this season.

“Recognizing the favorable conditions for wheat production in Cross River, we are partnering with the state government to enlist it among the wheat-producing states, with 3,000 registered wheat farmers here set to receive input support.

“To ensure quality and accountability, we have set rigorous standards for input suppliers, agro-dealers, and all involved stakeholders.

“An ICT platform will further enable transparency and tracking throughout the distribution process. Additionally, security agencies have been integrated to safeguard the integrity of the program,” he stated.

The Minister of Agriculture added, “As part of our commitment to supporting farmers, the Federal Government will establish a minimum guarantee price for crops, helping to stabilize farmers’ incomes and reduce reliance on imports.

“I am pleased to flag off the distribution of subsidized inputs for wheat farmers in Calabar, marking an important step toward our shared goal of food security and agricultural prosperity in Nigeria.“