Wheat, 1.3 million Metric Tons projection is achievable says..LCRI ED

The Executive Director (ED) Lake Chad Research Institute ( LCRI) Prof. Baba Gana Kabir has argued contrary to some views that opposed the Federal Government's ( FG) projection of 1,250.000 million metric tons of wheat production per year towards food security.

Prof. Baba Gana Kabir said this in an exclusive interview with Foodfarmnews yesterday through a telephone conversation.

The LCRI ED pointed that the projection of the FG as stated by the Minister of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( FMAFS), Sen. Abubakar Kyari may not be arguable if agricultural best practices by timely planting with appropriate fertilizers and adequate waters are applied.

Prof. Kabir pointed out that Borlaug 100 wheat variety can potentially give 8.2 metric tons per hectare with farmers' best agronomics practices through timely planting as default after December may lead to the death of the planted seeds.

According to him " The 8.2 metric tons of wheat from one hectare of land from Borlaug 100 wheat variety is achievable if our farmers can adhere to best agronomics practices of timely planting coupled with adequate fertilization and crop protection practices"

The FG has projected to harvest yield of 1.250.000 metric tons of wheat yearly at the rate of 8.2 metric tons per hectare through 150,000 or 250,000 wheat farmers across the producing states with 50% subsidy on inputs.

The producing states are Bornu, Adamawa, Yobe, Gombe, Kebbi, Sokoto, Jigawa, Katsina, Kaduna, Zamfara and Plateau states.

The FMAFS minister, Sen. Abubakar Kyari in a press release said that the year 2023 dry season farming is expected to produce a high yield of approximately 1.3 million metric tons with about 150,000 or 250,000 farmers that would be well supported.

Responding to late rain being experienced in November around Federal Capital Territory and Niger state, and its likely effect on wheat productions, Prof. Kabir said there is no reason for panic because the core wheat producing areas are not affected, adding that rain can only have a heat effect around February and March after planting.

Recall at the wheat farming flag off in Kadune, Hadejia local Government area, Jigawa state this year that Sen. Abubakar Kyari has said the government is determined to support 150,000-250,000 farmers with 50% inputs, and expected yield of 1,250.000 Mt tons from the cultivation of 200.000 - 250.000 hectares of land.

He added that the program would be technology driven with transparency and accountability in the provision of the subsidy and other support services like extension, insurance and additional finance.