According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Kyari addressed journalists after conducting an inspection of various seed wheat productions in Kano on Friday.
"We are fully dedicated to achieving significant wheat production during the forthcoming dry seasons for both domestic consumption and international export endeavors," he stated.
The speaker elucidated that President Tinubu's revitalized agenda is focused on ensuring that Nigeria achieves food security, commencing from the upcoming month, by prioritizing wheat planting throughout the dry season agricultural activities.
The minister, who was present in Kano and Jigawa to oversee the manufacturing of seeds, expressed contentment with the fact that indigenous production played a crucial role in the agricultural sector.
According to the speaker, Jigawa State has demonstrated significant enthusiasm for wheat cultivation by allocating 40,000 hectares of land for this purpose. This allocation is approaching the target of 70,000 hectares designated by the Federal Government for wheat growing in the current year.
The minister presented an explanation regarding the Federal Government's endeavors to procure a sufficient quantity of seeds to adequately cover the designated 70,000 hectares allocated for wheat cultivation.
The breeder and foundation seeds underwent thorough examination prior to reaching a satisfactory conclusion to gradually eliminate the need for wheat imports in preparation for the upcoming year's irrigation farming.
This phenomenon can be attributed to the significant depletion of Nigeria's foreign reserves due to the importation of wheat.
Kyari observed that the Federal Government has formulated a strategy to ensure the attainment of food security and self-sufficiency in the nation. He further emphasized that promoting domestic production is a key approach to entirely halt the importation of seeds.
“In the next 4-5 years with the Programmes set out, Nigeria would completely stop importations of wheat seeds and be self-sufficient with the local production that would enhance food production and security.”
The minister visited several locations, including the National Wheat Council Ware Houses in Sharada, AA Albasu Grains Company, and Alyumna Seeds Production Company.