The Federal Government has formally launched the 2025–2026 dry season farming programme in partnership with sixteen states, a move expected to strengthen food security, expand rural employment, and boost agricultural productivity across the country.
The ceremony took place in Maiduguri, Borno State, where the initiative was unveiled as a key step in expanding Nigeria’s food production capacity during the off-season.
A major component of the rollout is the wheat production programme under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro Pocket Project, designed to support smallholder farmers who produce the majority of Nigeria’s food.
The scheme provides farmers with subsidised inputs and field-level extension support to help diversify their crop output and raise productivity.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the project has become one of the government’s most impactful interventions targeted at small-scale farmers.
He explained that the coordinated supply of fertilisers, improved seeds, and technical support is expected to generate measurable gains in yields and household income, thereby helping to curb food insecurity and rural poverty.
The News Chronicle observed that the launch aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency on Food and Nutrition Security in July 2023.
That directive compelled all ministries and agencies to intensify efforts to stabilise food production in response to rising prices, climate-related disruptions, and global supply shocks.
Kyari noted that the wheat component of the programme will be implemented across sixteen states with proven potential for wheat cultivation, highlighting the recent expansion of wheat-growing capacity in Cross River State.
He also commended Governor Babagana Zulum for the enabling environment created in Borno, particularly in wheat-producing local government areas around the Lake Chad Basin.
Governor Zulum, who supervised the distribution of wheat seeds, fertilisers, tractors, and other inputs to 6,000 farmers in Jere Local Council, said the support from the Federal Government has allowed the state to achieve major progress in agriculture.
He added that the intervention has strengthened efforts to resettle displaced persons by providing them with improved seeds, agrochemicals, and extension support.
According to the governor, Borno’s agricultural programmes are now better positioned to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported food as dry season activities expand across multiple communities.
