By Lizzy Carr, Bauchi
The Flour Millers Association of Nigeria (FMAN) has said that the country losses an estimated N2 trillion to the importation of wheat annually.
Speakers at the 2022 Wheat Farmers Greenfield Day held on a wheat farm in Zindi, Misau local government area of Bauchi state on Tuesday, said the development has negative impact on Nigeria’s economic growth which narrative must change by promoting local production.
The Field Day was organized by the Association in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other agencies.
The National President, Salim Salim noted that Nigeria is one of the largest consumer of wheat imported from Canada, Mexico and USA.
“If Nigerian farmers can get involved in wheat production, the country will save money and improve the economic status of farmers and offer job opportunities for our teeming youths.”
He commended the federal government for involving FMAN in its anchor borrowers scheme through the CBN.
“This has boosted wheat production in 15 states in the North. I therefore call on farmers to seize this opportunity and participate in the program.
The National President said there are 27 demonstration wheat farms in seven local government areas of the state, assuring that the association will uptake the produce directly from the farmers.
Bauchi state governor, Bala Mohammed who declared the workshop open, commended the federal government for the CBN anchor borrowers scheme, saying that if well implemented, it will boost food production and security.
Represented by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Jidauna Mbami, the governor said that his administration will continue to support agriculture with particular attention on food production and security.
Mohammed stated that his administration had invested much in agriculture through procurement of improved seedlings, pesticides, chemicals and other farm implement and called on the farmers to reciprocate government’s efforts.
The Governor assured of his administration’s continued support to the sector.
“Over the years, the state has been in the forefront of wheat production and we are ready to do that again as you can see in this wheat farm,” Mohammed said.
