The Federal Government has announced that it has set aside 40,000 hectares of land for wheat cultivation during the 2025/2026 dry season and registered 80,000 farmers, with an anticipated output value of roughly ₦160 billion.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made this known during the official flag-off of the dry season wheat production programme under the National Agricultural Growth and Agro Pocket Project (NAGSAP) in Jere Local Government Area, Borno State.
Kyari revealed that Borno State has been allocated 3,000 hectares — accounting for 6,000 registered farmers — out of the 40,000 hectares designated for cultivation this season.
He explained:
“During the 2023/2024 dry season programme, we supported 107,429 registered farmers with critical subsidised inputs, resulting in an output valued at ₦474.6 billion. In the 2024/2025 season, 279,297 farmers received support, producing output valued at ₦893.7 billion.
“For the current 2025/2026 season, our target is 80,000 registered farmers, and we project an output value of approximately ₦160 billion.”
The minister noted that NAGSAP will deploy Agricultural Extension Agents to assist farmers with modern agronomic practices and provide continuous support at the field level. Fertiliser and Seed Quality Control Officers will also ensure that all inputs meet required standards to boost yields.
Kyari added that the wheat programme covers 16 states including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara. The inclusion of Cross River marks the expansion of wheat production into southern Nigeria for the first time.
He stressed that the project is designed to include women and young people, providing them with access to training and agricultural opportunities.
“NAGSAP is deliberately inclusive. We are ensuring that women, youth, and communities across the country have equitable access to inputs and training,” Kyari said.
He emphasised that success in agriculture depends heavily on input quality: “Without certified seeds, appropriate fertilisers, and timely crop protection products, achieving the desired yields is impossible. That’s why NAGSAP prioritises quality, traceability, and transparency in input distribution.”
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, who attended the ceremony, praised the Federal Government’s continued support for irrigation development, expressing confidence in the state's agricultural potential.
“With vast arable and irrigable land, especially in the Lake Chad Basin, Borno stands as one of Nigeria’s most promising agricultural hubs,” Zulum said.
He described wheat farming in Borno as a transformational effort, noting:
“Today’s event is a celebration of hope and resilience. Despite displacement, insecurity, and climate challenges, Borno continues to grow its own food and empower its people.”
Zulum reiterated his administration’s commitment to all-year farming through investments in infrastructure, machinery, improved inputs, and support services.
“Wheat cultivation in Borno is not just a programme — it’s a powerful tool for transformation. Through targeted investments in extension services, irrigation, mechanisation, and quality inputs, we are empowering farmers to boost yields and contribute to national production,” he said.
He added that thousands of smallholder farmers, resettled families, women, and youth have already benefited from seed improvement, agrochemical support, and expert guidance under the state’s agricultural support programmes.
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