Nigeria’s wheat production rises to 420,000 tonnes under NAGS-AP

Nigeria's annual wheat production has surged to 420,000 metric tonnes, a 250% increase from the previous baseline of 120,000 tonnes, following the introduction of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP), according to the Federal Government. Senior Special Adviser on Agriculture and Innovation to the Minister of Agriculture, Prof. Ademola Adenle, revealed these figures in an interview with NAN in Abuja.

NAGS-AP, a flagship government program, has been instrumental in boosting agricultural productivity by providing subsidized agricultural inputs, such as fertilizers, improved seeds, chemicals, and extension services, to smallholder farmers through agro-dealers. The program's impact is evident in the significant rise in output across multiple crops, with wheat being one of the most notable beneficiaries.

Despite this progress, Adenle emphasized that low agricultural productivity remains a persistent challenge, primarily due to structural issues within Nigeria's land administration system. The government plans to address these constraints, particularly by reforming the Land Use Act, which was established in 1978 and grants state governments extensive control over land.

This reform aims to improve farmers' access to productive land, which is crucial for expanding production and benefiting from economies of scale. Adenle also highlighted that the reforms will cover various aspects of the agricultural value chain, including production, processing, distribution, and marketing, with the ultimate goal of enhancing productivity and boosting farmers' incomes.

The success of these agricultural reforms will be vital in determining whether the recent wheat output increase can be sustained and expanded to other crops.