The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Cross River State Government, has announced subsidies for agricultural inputs to assist 500 farmers in producing 500 metric tonnes of wheat in the Obudu Local Government Area.
Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, made the announcement during a distribution event in Obudu on Saturday.
Each of the 500 farmers received essential inputs, including fertilizers, seeds, and agrochemicals. Kyari explained that the inputs were subsidized with 75% of the costs covered by the Federal Government and 25% by the Cross River State Government, reducing the financial burden on the farmers.
Represented by Mr. Jessem Ubi, a chief administrative officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, Kyari stated that the wheat cultivation initiative is part of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP) program. He disclosed that the Federal Government allocated ₦167 million for the 500 farmers in Obudu, while the Cross River State Government contributed ₦56 million, in line with their respective funding shares.
“This financial support also includes land preparation costs for the wheat farmers, who are expected to cultivate one hectare each,” Kyari added.
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The state government plans to expand wheat cultivation from 500 hectares to 3,000 hectares by July 2025.
The Special Adviser on Agriculture to the Governor, Prof. John Shiyam, mentioned that the 500 hectares currently cultivated by the farmers are expected to be harvested within 85 to 90 days. He also highlighted significant efforts made for land harrowing and irrigation.
“Many farmers struggled to meet the 25% requirement, which is why the state government intervened,” Shiyam explained.
He further stated, “We have also made arrangements to cultivate an additional 3,000 hectares during the rainy season. The current 500 hectares is being managed through irrigation, despite the associated challenges.”
Regarding market opportunities for the wheat, the governor’s adviser noted that a flour mill in Calabar has previously sourced wheat from as far as Kano and other northern states. Additionally, there is interest from Nigeria Brewery.
Mr. Alina Peters, chairman of the state chapter of the wheat farmers’ association, added that each member received two bags of fertilizer and improved wheat seeds from the Federal Government. He also acknowledged the state governor’s support in providing assistance with land ploughing and harrowing.