2023-24 research report shows wheat production plummet

 

The well publicized dry season farming for the  year 2023-24 wheat production in the Northern states, Nigeria has reflected a declined yield in view of better improved varieties employed by the Federal Government ( FG) for the cultivations.

A report made available to Foodfarmnews showed that the excessive heatwave predicted by Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has negatively impacted on wheat yield for the season as needed cooler harmattan for the crop was not available due to excessive heat within the period.

Recall that to avert climate change challenges in view of heat tolerant varieties that the FG through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security ( FMAFS) was said to have  imported Borlaug 100 from Mexico and Attila Gan Agatila.

Also recall that stakeholders queried the FG's import due to the official release of these varieties into the country  saying such action would distort seeds productivity system, while counter argument supported the import in view of no sufficient availability of them.

Although the report explained that the heat waves was not only Nigeria's matter but rather global adding the need why climate- resilient Agricutural practices should be embraced for ensuring food security.

Part of the findings report read thus " Nigeria has witnessed a promising rise in wheat production in recent decades. During the dry harmattan season (November-March), traditionally cooler temperatures provided a window for successful wheat cultivation, particularly in states like Kano, Jigawa, and Katsina. New high-yielding varieties, coupled with the dedicated efforts of research institutions like the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI) and the Sasakawa Africa Association (SAA), fueled this expansion.

However, a recent heatwave throws a wrench into this success story. The 2023/2024 cropping season saw a significant decline in wheat yields. The culprit? An unusual harmattan season. The crucial cold period, essential for proper tillering (grass shoot development) in wheat, arrived much later than expected, impacting the crop's growth cycle. Yields plummeted, with farmers using irrigation seeing a drop from 12-17 bags per hectare to 20-25, while those relying on pumps and solar panels experienced an even steeper decline.

Climate change is the undeniable villain in this scenario. The delayed cold harmattan highlights the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns disrupting agricultural practices. This poses a serious threat to Nigeria's burgeoning wheat production and, consequently, its food security"

"The time for action is now. We need a renewed focus on research and development aimed at breeding heat-tolerant wheat varieties. The LCRI, with its expertise in genetic improvement, must be adequately supported by the Nigerian government to prioritize this effort. Developing wheat varieties that thrive in the face of a changing climate is essential to safeguard Nigeria's wheat production and ensure a stable food supply.

This is not just a Nigerian issue. Across tropical Africa, similar challenges threaten wheat production. Embracing climate-resilient agricultural practices will be critical for ensuring food security in a region grappling with a warming planet"