By: Gloria Abutu
The Federal Government has set its sights on empowering 12,000 farmers in Adamawa State for wheat production under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) program.
The initiative, which targets 16 states nationwide, is a strategic effort to boost agricultural production and mitigate food inflation, often driven by supply shortages and other economic variables.
During an assessment visit to Kapo community in Fufore Local Government Area, Adamawa state Coordinator, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Salihu Jenenso, stated that the program seeks to enhance wheat cultivation through irrigation farming.
He added that the program links farmers with aggregators to purchase their produce after harvest, ensuring market access and reducing post-harvest losses.
The visit also evaluated farmers’ preparedness for the wheat farming season.
The NAGS-AP initiative provides beneficiaries with subsidized inputs, such as high-quality wheat seeds and fertilizers, to improve yield.
After harvest, the program ensures sustainability by linking farmers with aggregators to purchase the wheat, creating a direct market for their produce.
While farmers welcomed the intervention, concerns over production costs remain.
One of the cluster heads, Theman Bagale expressed optimism about the potential of the scheme to alleviate hardship but lamented that the cost of petrol is a challenge, which could inflate production expenses.
The Village Head of Kapo, Yusuf Musa, described the initiative as transformative, praising the government for prioritizing wheat, a vital crop in Nigeria’s food system.
He emphasized the need for the continuity of the program
to sustain its impact on food security and improve local livelihoods.
He also advocated for the provision of mechanized farming equipment and called for the timely deployment of inputs to farmers to ensure the achievement of the program’s objectives.
The NAGS-AP program illustrates the Federal government’s recognition of production as a critical factor in controlling food inflation.
By targeting key crops like wheat, the initiative addresses supply-side bottlenecks that often trigger price surges.
However, while production remains a core focus, other variables such as the cost of fuel, access to storage facilities, and efficient distribution networks, must also be tackled to ensure long-term stability in food prices.
As the program progresses, its impact on agricultural productivity and market dynamics will be pivotal in shaping the country’s broader fight against food insecurity, addressing inflation and fostering economic resilience.
