The federal government has commenced wheat cultivation in Adamawa, targeting 12,000 farmers under its National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket programme this dry season.

Salihu Jenenso, NAGS-AP’s coordinator in Adamawa, said this during a media tour at Kapo in the Fufore LGA.

Mr Jenenso said the NAGS-AP programme was a federal government initiative to boost agricultural production, enhance food security, and empower farmers nationwide.

He said Adamawa had established 16 redemption centres where farmers could register and purchase inputs, adding that some centres were in Fufore, Mubi, Gombi, Madagali, Yola North, Yola South, and Song.

According to Mr Jenenso, the aim of the national programme, which began in 16 states in 2023, is to increase wheat production, one of the country’s most consumed foods.

Theman Bagale, a farmer and cluster head for the NAGS-AP programme, commended the federal government for the initiative.

Mr Bagale also expressed optimism about achieving a high yield this dry farming season.

“In Fufore, farmers are organised into 20 clusters, each comprising five members. We have purchased farm inputs worth N111,000, and land preparation is ongoing,” he said.

Yusuf Musa, Kapo, a community leader and an agricultural engineer, also expressed gratitude to the federal government for initiating the project, saying its potential would positively impact the community through the supply chain.

However, Mr Musa warned the programme coordinator against delays in deploying farm inputs.

He also appealed to the federal government to ensure the timely distribution of the necessary implements and support the adoption of mechanised farming in communities.

The assessment tour evaluated the state’s preparedness for wheat cultivation under the NAGS-AP initiative. 

(NAN)