By Faridat Salifu
Borno State’s smallholder farmers are set to benefit from targeted interventions under the Federal Government’s NAGS-AP programme, boosting wheat production while fostering resilience in a post-insurgency landscape.
Governor Babagana Zulum and Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, flagged off the 2025/2026 dry season programme, distributing subsidised seeds, fertilisers, agrochemicals, and modern farming equipment to 6,000 registered wheat farmers in the state.
The programme aims not only to increase wheat output to an estimated ₦160 billion but also to empower women and youth by providing equitable access to training, advisory services, and inputs.
Kyari said the initiative will deploy Agricultural Extension Agents and Fertiliser and Seed Quality Control Officers to ensure modern agronomic practices are followed and inputs meet quality standards for higher yields.
The wheat component of NAGS-AP spans 16 states, including Cross River, which was integrated into the programme last year to diversify production across ecological zones.
Governor Zulum described the programme as a transformative initiative, helping resettled households, women, and youth rebuild livelihoods while contributing to national food security.
He emphasized that Borno’s arable and irrigable land, particularly within the Lake Chad Basin, positions the state as a key agricultural frontier capable of sustaining all-season farming.
Alhaji Haruna Umaru, representing smallholder farmers, pledged to maximise productivity in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for agriculture.
The launch also highlights Borno’s ongoing investments in mechanisation, irrigation, and input support, reinforcing the state’s role in post-conflict recovery and resilience-building through agriculture.
Officials said the programme demonstrates that targeted government interventions, combined with inclusive training and support, can transform local agriculture, strengthen food security, and empower communities.
