Stakeholders task farmers on proved technologies for wheat production

• As FMAN trains wheat farmers on pre, post production
The Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN) has called on wheat farmers, research scientists, policy makers, development partners and other stakeholders in the agriculture sector to appraise the new improved technologies for adoption and promotion of wheat production in the country.

They made the call at the commemoration of Brown Field Day, in collaboration with Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), and Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI).

During the meeting, information on wheat farming, innovative techniques, seed varieties and market opportunities were revealed.

According to FMAN, “One hundred and fourteen hectares demonstration farms are being planted in the six northern states to offer instruction on good agronomic practices. Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Plateau, Taraba, and Yobe are among the states.

“FMAN’s direct out-grower programme is being expanded with input loans to cover 4,300 farmers across 3,900 hectares in seven states – Kano, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Zamfara.

“We are also working on expansion of seed production to generate enough seeds for 10,000 hectares the following season with the help of six certified seed firms, encompassing both dry and rainy season seed production. TechniSeeds, Premier Seeds, Lifted Agro, Greenspore, Sow Agritech, and Ahalson Seed are some of the partners.”

FMAN added that new seed types and better agronomic techniques were being tested in research trials on the association’s 10-hectare research farm in Jigawa, including cooperation with the Lake Chad Research Institute, CIMMYT, and ICARDA.

“The National Agricultural Seeds Council (NASC) has received funding to increase its capacity to assess seed quality, certify seed production, and teach farmers to distinguish high-quality seeds from others.

“Also, wheat farmers and extension agents were trained on pre-and post-harvest handling, for good quality produce.”

FMAN assured wheat farmers on support of all stakeholders across the wheat value chain to achieve wheat self-sufficiency for national food security.

The Brown Field Day recorded over 1,500 farmers in attendance, alongside the leadership of FMAN, represented by the Executive Secretary, Alhaji Olalekan Saliu, Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, among others.

The event provided a valuable platform for relevant stakeholders to share information, network, and learn from each other.