Wheat farmers in Gombe State have commended the Federal Government’s National Agricultural Growth Scheme – Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), which is being implemented in the state.
The farmers shared their appreciation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, in Kwadom community, located in the Yamaltu/Deba Local Government Area of Gombe State.
According to the farmers, the NAGS-AP initiative will significantly increase agricultural productivity, ensure food security, and help tackle unemployment in the state.
Mr Lawan Garba, Chairman of the Wheat Farmers Association in Gombe State, commeded President Bola Tinubu for supporting nearly 8,000 farmers with seeds, fertilisers, and agrochemicals to cultivate wheat during the dry season.
He noted that the initiative would create wealth for farmers, reduce unemployment, and help secure food supplies for both the state and the country.
“We have never had it so good, especially for wheat farming in the state. The NAGS-AP initiative will revolutionise the agriculture sector.
“The support is coming at a time when there is a scarcity of wheat seeds in Gombe State, and I can tell you that farmers who have benefitted from this support are truly appreciative,” Garba said.
He called on the Federal Government to expand the support to reach more farmers, particularly in light of the ongoing wheat seed scarcity in the state.
Mr Shuaibu Abdullahi, a 42-year-old wheat farmer from Kwadom, said that the NAGS-AP initiative would soon alleviate hunger in Nigeria by boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring a sufficient food supply for local consumption.
Abdullahi, who had been farming for 15 years, mentioned that this was the first time he received such timely support.
“I have prepared my farmland and was waiting for support to cultivate more, and then NAGS-AP came at just the right time.
“I usually cultivate two hectares, but with this support, I’m cultivating five hectares this year. This is good because it will translate to more income,” he explained.
Abdullahi also expressed optimism about the improved seeds provided through the initiative, stating that they would yield significantly better results than the low-yielding grains typically planted.
“With this support, I’m anticipating at least 25 bags per hectare, and with that, I will be more financially empowered,” he added.
Ibrahim Babayo, a wheat farmer in Lariye community, Akko LGA, shared how NAGS-AP enabled him to begin cultivating his land during the dry season for the first time in 2023.
Babayo, a sexagenarian, highlighted the opportunity the initiative provided for youth and women to earn a living.
“In 2023, we had three people working on our field, but now we have engaged 20 youths, which is a great way to tackle unemployment.
“With more support, next year we plan to engage over 60 youths, which could help reduce insecurity in the country,” Babayo stated.
NAGS-AP is a key initiative of President Tinubu’s administration, designed to boost agricultural production, improve food security, and empower farmers nationwide.
The programme is funded by a 134 million dollars loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB), specifically aimed at increasing the production of staple crops such as wheat, rice, maize, and sorghum.
