BY MUSA IDRIS UMAR, NOVEMBER 15, 2025 | 05:22 PM
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum has launched the Federal Government’s distribution of wheat farming inputs for the 2025/2026 dry season.
The flag-off took place on Saturday at the Jere Bowl in Dusuman.
The distribution is part of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket programme.
The inputs include high-yield wheat seeds, blended fertilizers, pesticides, and tractors.
The initiative aims to boost wheat production and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on food imports.
Zulum said the programme aligns with his administration’s plan to strengthen agriculture.
‘Here in Borno State, wheat cultivation is not just a programme; it is a transformative initiative,’ he said.
He added that irrigation, mechanization, and quality inputs have improved productivity for farmers.
‘Our input support programmes have reached tens of thousands of smallholder farmers, resettled households, women, and youth,’ Gov. Zulum said.
The governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritizing food security.
‘Mr President’s commitment to food security and national productivity provides the foundation upon which programmes like this are built,’ he said.
Zulum thanked the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, for selecting Borno as a priority wheat-producing state.
Speaking earlier, Kyari said 16 states will benefit from the wheat component of the scheme.
‘For the 2025/2026 season, the programme is targeting 80,000 registered farmers with an expected output value of about N160 billion,’ he said.
He added that 3,000 hectares have been allocated to Borno for 6,000 farmers.
Borno Commissioner for Agriculture Bawu Masami highlighted irrigation schemes activated under the state government.
He said the projects have enabled thousands of farmers to cultivate multiple crops.