FG Takes Bold Step to Curb Wheat Shortage

Daji Sani in Yola

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security has launched an aggressive wheat production drive to mitigate the effects of the Ukraine crisis on Nigeria’s wheat supply. The crisis has led to a 100 per cent  increase in wheat product prices, forcing many companies to shut down.

However, to address this, 300 cluster farmers have begun cultivating 400 hectares of wheat in Adamawa state, with the goal of increasing domestic wheat production. The initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on wheat imports, which currently account for 99 per cent of the country’s wheat consumption.

According to  Adamawa State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Salisu Jenanso,  the Ukraine-Russia crisis has reduced wheat supply to the country to zero percent. 

 “The ugly trend has forced many companies using wheat to completely fold up in different parts of the country,” he stated.

He said the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has provided subsidised farm inputs to the farmers and advised them to follow best practices to ensure a successful harvest. 

However, the farmers face challenges, including the increasing cost of petroleum products, which may hinder the production drive.

To address this, the farmers are calling for further subsidies on inputs to help increase their yields. “The increasing cost of petroleum products might pose a little hiccup to the production drive,” said Mr. Thenan Bagale, one of the cluster heads.

Despite the challenges, the wheat production drive is a positive step towards improving Nigeria’s food security and reducing its dependence on imports. The initiative has the potential to provide economic opportunities for farmers, create jobs, and increase income streams.The wheat production drive is not limited to Adamawa state, as 16 states have already keyed into the program. The Federal Ministry of Agriculture is working closely with the states to ensure the success of the initiative.

As Nigeria struggles to recover from the effects of the Ukraine crisis, the wheat production drive offers a glimmer of hope. With the support of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and the determination of the farmers, Nigeria may finally be able to reduce its dependence on wheat imports and improve its food security.

The success of the wheat production drive will depend on the ability of the farmers to overcome the challenges they face. However, with the right support and resources, Nigeria may be able to achieve its goal of self-sufficiency in wheat production.

As the farmers begin to harvest their wheat, Nigerians will be watching with bated breath to see if the initiative will be successful. One thing is certain, however: the wheat production drive is a bold step towards a more food-secure future for Nigeria.