Smiles On The Faces Of Millions Of Nigerians As FG Secures $134M Loan To Boost National Food Security And Revolutionize Farming in 2024/2025

This was announced by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, during the launch of the 2024/2025 National Dry Season Farming in Calabar, alongside Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu, represented by Deputy Governor Peter Odey. The loan is aimed at enhancing national food security and supporting year-round agricultural production through the reintroduction of dry season farming.

The initiative is part of the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme-Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) Project, designed to provide essential support for increasing the production of staple crops such as wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava. Kyari emphasized the government’s goal to improve food availability by declaring a national emergency in food production, ensuring that all Nigerians have access to quality, affordable, and nutritious food. The project will benefit over 250,000 wheat farmers across key wheat-producing states, with plans to cultivate 250,000 hectares and achieve an expected output of 750,000 metric tons of wheat. Additionally, the program aims to assist 150,000 rice farmers in all 37 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to produce 450,000 metric tons of rice.

Cross River State, a leading wheat producer, will be a key partner in the initiative, contributing to the nation’s efforts to reduce dependence on imported grains. Governor Bassey Otu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to enhancing food production, particularly wheat, and assured support for the federal initiative. The National Project Coordinator for NAGS-AP, Mr. Buba Ishaku, outlined that the project will unfold in two phases, providing farmers with quality seeds and grains. The event attracted various stakeholders, including international development partners and state officials, all committed to the success of the 2024/2025 dry season farming initiative.