The Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN), in collaboration with the Jigawa State Government, hosted a successful Wheat Farmers’ Green Field Day in Dabi Village, Ringim LGA, drawing together farmers, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders to strengthen Nigeria’s wheat production sector.
The event was more than just a showcase of thriving wheat fields—it was an opportunity for farmers to receive hands-on agronomic training aimed at boosting productivity and profitability. FMAN reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s wheat value chain through innovation, farmer empowerment, and strategic partnerships.
Kayode Tokede, FMAN’s representative, emphasized the organization’s dedication to self-sufficiency in wheat production. “Our goal is to bridge the wheat supply gap in Nigeria, currently importing over 90% of its wheat. By empowering farmers with the necessary tools and support, we aim to make Nigeria more self-reliant in wheat production,” Tokede said.
Over the last five years, FMAN has made significant strides in this direction, including:
Empowering over 21,000 farmers with input loans
Establishing 504 village-level collection points
Training more than 160,000 farmers across 15 Northern States
Releasing four high-yielding wheat varieties
Creating over 800,000 indirect jobs
FMAN’s collaboration with Jigawa State has been pivotal in these efforts. The 2023/2024 partnership supported 5,000 farmers with input loans, repayable in harvested grains, and has since expanded to 10,000 farmers for the 2024/2025 season.
Farmers under this program are achieving impressive yields, with an average of 3 to 3.5 metric tons per hectare.
A key element of the program has been the employment of over 100 Jigawa indigenes as full-time extension agents, ensuring that farmers have access to the expertise and guidance they need. “The input loans and extension services have made a real difference in our farming practices,” said a local farmer at the event. “We are already seeing higher yields, and our incomes are improving.”
FMAN’s continued commitment to research, development, and seed production is evident through its establishment of a 10-hectare research farm in Jigawa for varietal trials and agronomic improvements.
The initiative also includes partnerships with certified seed companies to produce high-yielding wheat varieties and facilitate seed certification.
The Green Field Day also highlighted other FMAN initiatives such as its Outgrower Program, Demonstration Farms, and extensive farmer training programs focused on financial literacy and improved farm management.
As the event concluded, FMAN and Jigawa State representatives expressed their unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s wheat farmers, ensuring that the country’s wheat industry is on the path to a sustainable, self-sufficient future.
FMAN’s proactive approach is already contributing to the transformation of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, bringing the nation closer to achieving its wheat production goals.