The Flour Milling Association of Nigeria FMAN has honoured farmers from Kano, Jigawa and Kebbi states for their commitment to the production of wheat in the country.
The wheat farmers were presented with Championship awards by FMAN after successful farming seasons at an event held at the premises of the Northern Nigeria Flour Mills PLC, Bompai Kano.
The farmers who were initially 700 in number from the three states were supported by FMAN with improved seeds, and were linked to markets where the produce were offtaken thereby improving their productivity and livelihood.
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Head of Wheat Development Association, Flour Milling Association of Nigeria, Sarah Huber who presented the Farmers Yield Championship Award to them stated that the farmers performed well and ought to be commended in a bid to encourage others to work diligently for more successes to be achieved.
She added that many of the beneficiaries repay back their loans to FMAN which the system allow them to record success in their farming business.
“As a partner, we empowered them with training, modern ways to reduce loss and improve yield among others.
“Our call to the farmers is to continue collaborating with us and putting inti practice what they have been taught, and also pay back their loans in good time”, she said.
Huber added that the number one role of the Association is not just to “provide market for the wheat farmers” but to also expand their procurement as an industry, expand warehouse capacity and commitment to offtake all wheat grains meeting basic standards.
Sarah Huber however added that, to grow the market more, farmers yield must increase so that wheat can compete with rice and other dry crops.
The Wheat Development Association Head narrated the already existing programmes laid down to achieved the goals.
“Wheat Farmer Service Centres established in 15 LGAs across Jigawa, Kano and Kebbi States providing training, threshing and direct offtake for up to 5, 000 farmers, Intensive Outgrower Programme with input loans to over 700 farmers, Certified seed production with Premier, Rahama and Greenspore for up to 150 tons enough for 3000 farmers”.
One of the farmers, Garba Yayallo from Malam Madori in Jigawa state expressed delight at the development. He said the support provided to them by FMAN translates into good farming yield.
“I planted 1 hectare of wheat, in return I got up to 10 tons of wheat. You see, with the new means of farming I now earn more money and I have upgraded to a higher level”, he said.
FMAN is hopeful to partner with more organizations to improve on the farmers yield through high quality seeds, expanded extension services and improved access to irrigation.
