FG Approves N922m For Wheat Seeds

The Federal
Government has approved N922 million to mop up 7,000 metric tones of breeders foundation and certified wheat seeds in order to expand the wheat value chain in the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Akinwumi Adesina disclosed this in Kaduna Monday.
The programme which started in 2012 according to him, said wheat farmers in the country planting grains not certified nor hybrid wheat seeds which led to decline in productivity.
He said, “the minister was in Kebbi and Zamfara States recently and revealed to the whole world potential of Nigerian’s wheat production especially in Baklori Irrigation Farm.
“In view of this, I have already approved N922 million to mop up 7,000 metric tones of breeders foundation and certified wheat seeds for the envisaged expansions in the wheat value chain”, he said.
Adesina who said the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA) is a tool by the Federal Government to improve agricultural production which will lead to continuity, consistency, commitment and value chain.
He said the ministry is being repositioned to reduce dependence on food imports increase crop yield, enhance incomes for farmers, reduce poverty, increase foreign exchange, enhance food security and ensure national security”.
Adesina explained that the strategy mapped out to achieve these goals include decentralization of power to states and regions, farmers registration and data base input supply, value added industries, attract foreign and private sector investors involvement and participation for sustainability.
The minister expressed delight that all the states in the country except one, have keyed into ATA and this step according to him will make the country emerge as a major exporter of wheat in the near future.