Wheat Production: Zulum Flags Off FG’s Agricultural Inputs Distribution

By: Our Reporter

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has flagged off the distribution of critical agricultural inputs for the 2025/2026 dry season wheat farming.

The distributed inputs include high-yielding wheat seeds, blended fertilisers, tractors, and pesticides.

The event, held on Saturday at the Jere Bowl in Dusuman, Jere Local Government, marked the commencement of the Federal Government’s intervention programme for wheat cultivation in Nigeria.

The initiative is being implemented under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), a flagship programme of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security designed to empower farmers and reduce the country’s reliance on food imports.

Governor Zulum, while addressing beneficiaries and stakeholders, noted that the programme aligns with his administration’s commitment to revitalising the agricultural sector.

He said, “Here in Borno State, wheat cultivation is not just a programme; it is a transformative initiative. Through targeted investments in irrigation, mechanisation, quality inputs, and extension services, we are equipping farmers to achieve higher yields, enhance productivity, and contribute meaningfully to national output.”

He further stated, “Borno State has achieved remarkable milestones under our people-centred agricultural vision. Our input support programmes have reached tens of thousands of smallholder farmers, resettled households, women, and youth, providing improved seeds, agrochemicals, and agronomic guidance.”

Zulum commended President Tinubu’s food security initiative under the Renewed Hope Agenda. He stated, “Let me begin by acknowledging the steadfast leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, whose Renewed Hope Agenda has continued to champion transformative investments in agriculture across Nigeria.”

Zulum also said, “Mr President’s commitment to food security and national productivity provides the foundation upon which programmes like this are built.”

The governor expressed gratitude to the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, noting, “I also express profound appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, under the leadership of the Honourable Minister, His Excellency Senator Abubakar Kyari, for sustaining this national programme and for selecting Borno State as one of the priority locations for scaled wheat production.”

Speaking earlier, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, noted that 16 states will benefit from the NAGS-AP wheat component of the 2025/2026 season.

“Today, the wheat component of the NAG-AP programme covers 16 wheat-producing states of the federation. These are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Cross River, Gombe, Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Niger, Plateau, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and Zamfara,” Sen Kyari said.

According to the minister, “for the current 2025/2026 season, the programme is targeting 80,000 registered farmers with an expected output value of approximately N160b.”

He added, “Out of the 40,000 hectares earmarked for wheat production, the 2025/2026 dry season, 3,000 hectares have been allocated to Borno State, representing 6,000 wheat farmers. This support will be followed by the second phase of the programme, which will promote the cultivation of other priority top value chains across the state.”

Delivering the welcome address, Borno’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Engr Bawu Musami, enumerated the achievements of the Zulum administration in the agricultural sector.

The commissioner stated that an ambitious South Sudan irrigation scheme and Baga Folders projects have been activated, with thousands of farmers cultivating a variety of produce.

The occasion was attended by the senator representating Borno Central, Kaka Shehu Lawan; Member Representing Maiduguri at the House of Representatives, Abdulkadir Rahis; that of Marte, Monguno and Nganzai, Engr Bukar Talba.

Other dignitaries include the Shehu of Borno, Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Elkanemi; the Deputy Speaker of Borno State House of Assembly, Engr Abdullahi Askira; the Acting Chief of Staff, Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; and other senior government officials.

Wheat Production: Zulum Flags Off FG’s Agricultural Inputs Distribution

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, as IFAD Vice Chairman

By: Dr. James Bwala

Nigeria’s agricultural environment is undergoing a transformation under the leadership of Senator Abubakar Kyari, whose recent nomination as Vice Chairman of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) marks a watershed moment in agricultural diplomacy. This strategic positioning highlights Nigeria’s commitment to agricultural growth and food security on the global stage.

Kyari’s appointment is particularly noteworthy given Nigeria’s complex agricultural challenges, including food insecurity, limited smallholder farmer resources, and climate vulnerabilities. His extensive experience in agricultural policy and governance positions him uniquely to advocate for innovative agricultural transformation strategies. By leveraging IFAD’s global platform, Kyari can potentially mobilize critical resources and technical expertise to address Nigeria’s agricultural infrastructure and productivity constraints. 

The potential impact of this leadership role extends beyond national boundaries, offering a promising avenue for enhancing agricultural resilience and economic empowerment across developing regions. Kyari’s strategic vision and Nigeria’s agricultural potential can catalyze meaningful interventions that support sustainable agricultural development, ultimately contributing to broader regional food security objectives and economic stability.

Additionally, Kyari’s collaborative approach, as demonstrated in his recent meetings with IFAD officials, highlights his dedication to forging international partnerships that align with Nigeria’s agricultural priorities. His proactive engagement in these discussions not only strengthens Nigeria’s bilateral relations with international agricultural bodies but also sets the stage for implementing innovative projects that could transform the agricultural sector, fostering sustainable growth and improving livelihoods for millions of smallholder farmers. 

His leadership is poised to drive significant advancements in agricultural technology adoption, empowering local farmers to increase yields and enhance food security. In this context, Kyari’s efforts to secure the expeditious release of a $5 million grant from IFAD, aimed at bolstering food security programs such as the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), underscore his commitment to supporting sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security.

The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced food security is strategic. The strategic alignment of these initiatives with Nigeria’s agricultural agenda demonstrates Kyari’s adeptness at navigating complex international frameworks to secure resources that can drive transformative change in the sector. His diplomatic acumen is further highlighted by his ability to forge strategic partnerships, such as the collaboration with Swaraj Tractors, which aims to modernize farming equipment and practices across Nigeria.

Kyari’s role as IFAD Vice Chairman positions him to further leverage international platforms to advocate for increased investment in Nigeria’s agricultural sector. His leadership in this capacity not only reinforces Nigeria’s influence on global agricultural policy but also ensures that the country’s unique challenges and opportunities are adequately represented on the international stage. By fostering strategic alliances and promoting innovation, Kyari is poised to drive transformative change that aligns with both national priorities and global sustainability goals.

As Vice Chairman, Kyari’s leadership is expected to harness these collaborations, ensuring that the initiatives not only benefit Nigeria but also serve as a model for other developing nations facing similar agricultural challenges. His leadership as Vice Chairman could potentially enhance collaborative efforts and attract increased international support for Nigeria’s agricultural initiatives. His proactive approach in securing the $5 million grant from IFAD further underscores his commitment to advancing Nigeria’s agricultural framework by empowering smallholder farmers and transforming agrifood systems. 

This proactive engagement not only secures critical financial resources but also demonstrates his dedication to fostering resilient agricultural systems that can withstand both local and global challenges. His strategic vision is evident in his advocacy for initiatives like the Inclusive Agrifood System Transformation, which aims to empower smallholder farmers and bolster food security across the nation. His efforts to address these challenges are complemented by his collaboration with international partners, which is vital for creating a more resilient and productive agricultural environment in Nigeria. 

His efforts are strengthened by his involvement in technical developments and sustainable practices, which are critical for modernizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector and assuring long-term success. Kyari hopes to develop a more integrated and efficient agricultural industry that would serve as a dependable backbone for Nigeria’s economy by capitalizing on these advancements.

His role as Vice Chairman of IFAD allows him to foster these collaborations further. His dedication to these initiatives is further highlighted by his recent appeal for the expeditious release of the $5 million grant from IFAD, which underscores his commitment to enhancing food security programs in Nigeria. 

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As Nigeria continues to face pressing agricultural challenges, Kyari’s leadership in both national and international arenas becomes increasingly pivotal in driving sustainable development and ensuring food security for future generations. With his strategic position at IFAD, Kyari is well-placed to amplify these efforts on a global stage. With this platform, he can effectively advocate for increased investments and support for initiatives that directly impact smallholder farmers, thereby reinforcing his commitment to transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. 

Kyari’s focus on empowering smallholder farmers not only addresses urgent food security concerns but also lays the framework for a more fair and sustainable agricultural future. His strategic ideas and international alliances are not only critical for Nigeria, but they also establish an example for other countries attempting to address similar agricultural difficulties.

Senator Kyari is well-positioned to spearhead dramatic changes that will inspire similar efforts across the African continent, drawing on his considerable experience and strategic vision. Through this leadership position, he can support projects that prioritize climate-resilient agricultural practices, ensuring that Nigeria and other countries are better prepared to deal with the negative effects of climate change on food systems.

Kyari is strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector by promoting programs like climate-smart agriculture and sustainable resource management. Kyari’s initiatives not only increase Nigeria’s agricultural output, but they also help to improve global food security by building collaborative collaborations and sharing creative solutions.

Furthermore, his focus on enhancing agricultural infrastructure and facilitating access to modern farming technologies is pivotal in driving sustainable growth and development within the sector. By fostering these advancements, Kyari is effectively bridging the gap between traditional farming practices and modern agricultural innovations, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency and productivity of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

* Dr. James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja

Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture, Abubakar Kyari, as IFAD Vice Chairman

China Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The People’s Republic of China has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Nigeria in the area of mechanized agriculture to achieve food security in the country.

This commitment was made at the 2025 Zoomlion Agriculture Machinery Exhibition and New Distributor Channel Fair, held at the China-Nigeria Agricultural Technology Demonstration Center in Ushafa, Abuja, on Tuesday.

The event featured the exhibition and demonstration of the RK 754-A and RK 504-A tractors, both manufactured by Chinese company.

Zoomlion Marketing Director, Jerry Wu said the tractors are efficient, durable, cost-effective, and provide easy access to spare parts.

He pledged China’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s quest for food sufficiency through agricultural mechanization.

He said: “China is committed to supporting Nigeria’s quest for food sufficiency through agricultural mechanization. Our advanced machinery is designed to empower farmers, enabling them to achieve greater yields and contribute to the nation’s food security.”

In his remarks, the Principal Agricultural Engineer of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Hillary Aroboinosen stated that the federal government remains fully committed to supporting mechanization initiatives through public-private partnerships and facilitating the acquisition of affordable machinery for farmers.

He said: “The role of mechanization in transforming agriculture cannot be overstated. Modern agricultural machinery has the potential to bridge the gap between subsistence farming and commercially viable farming, enabling our farmers to adapt to the challenges of climate change, rising population demands, and global market competition.

“The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains fully committed to supporting mechanization initiatives. Through strategic programs like this, public-private partnerships, and capacity-building projects, we aim to facilitate the acquisition of affordable machinery for farmers, especially for small-scale operators and promote training and skills development to ensure the effective use of modern equipment.

“Exhibitions like this one are pivotal in demonstrating the latest innovations, fostering collaborations, and empowering farmers with the tools they need to thrive. ”

Other stakeholders including social critic and politician Buba Galadima emphasized the importance of agricultural mechanization in ensuring food security, creating employment opportunities, and generating revenue in Nigeria.

The exhibition also included the signing of contracts between Zoomlion and new distributors, as well as the presentation of gifts to attendees.

China Reaffirms Commitment to Agricultural Mechanization in Nigeria