The Federal Government has obtained a $134 million loan from the African Development Bank (AfDB) to boost seed and grain production across the country.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, stated this during the launch of the 2024/2025 National Dry Season Farming in Calabar, Cross River State.

In a statement by the Ministry’s Chief Information Officer, Erema Anthonia, Kyari explained that the loan facility would be crucial for the reintroduction of dry season farming, aimed at enhancing year-round agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.

The initiative, he said, is part of the National Agricultural Growth Support Scheme-Agro Pocket (NAGS-AP) Project, a strategic move by the federal government to revitalise the agricultural sector and improve access to quality, nutritious food for all Nigerians.

The minister highlighted the government’s efforts to address food security by boosting the production of staple crops such as wheat, rice, maize, sorghum, soybean, and cassava. Under the first phase of the 2023/2024 dry season, 107,429 wheat farmers received support, while 43,997 rice farmers benefited in the second phase.

He added that 192,095 farmers cultivating rice, maize, sorghum/millet, soybean, and cassava were assisted during the 2024 wet season across all 37 states, including the Federal Capital Territory.

Kyari however noted that Cross River State is leading wheat production among 16 states, with over 3,000 local farmers slated to benefit from the new support measures.

He praised the state’s commitment to agricultural development, which has led to its selection as one of the pioneering regions for wheat production under the 2024/2025 dry season farming program.

For the upcoming dry season, he said the project aims to support 250,000 wheat farmers across wheat-producing states, providing them with subsidized agricultural inputs to cultivate approximately 250,000 hectares.

The expected output is around 750,000 metric tons of wheat, significantly contributing to the nation’s food reserves and reducing reliance on imports. Additionally, 150,000 rice farmers will receive support, with a projected yield of about 450,000 metric tons, covering all 37 states, including the FCT.

Also, Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, who was represented by the Deputy Governor Peter Odey, affirmed the state’s commitment to the initiative.

He highlighted the government’s strategic focus on agricultural policies aimed at increasing food production and ensuring availability.

The National Project Coordinator of NAGS-AP, Mr. Buba Ishaku, noted that the project would be implemented in two phases, offering quality seeds and grains to farmers.