LCRI pledges to meet Nigeria’s wheat needs
By Ladi Dapson, Maiduguri
In an effort towards achieving national self sufficiency in wheat production in the country, Babagana Jugudum Kabir, the Executive Director Lake Chad Research Institute, has reiterated that they have cultivated over two thousand hectares in Borno state.
Babagana stated this at the occasion of 2024/2025 wheat Farmers Brown Field Day which took place at Mafa local government area of Borno State.
He explained that the Wheat Farmers Field Day is an annual event organized by the Institute to showcase the performance of developed technologies and to bridge the gap between research and practice through firsthand experience.
He said there is considerable gap between domestic production of wheat and national consumption which their national requirement for wheat exceeds 5 million metric tons, while stating that local production remains below one million metric tons.
He further noted that their research led to the development and release of 18 improved wheat varieties all of which are high yielding and possess excellent baking qualities.
He noted that the institute remains committed to research and development towards expanding wheat to other countries.
Represented by the Dean, aculty of Agriculture, Professor Abubakar Ibrahim, the Vice Chancellor University of Maiduguri promised to support Lake Chad Research Institute in attaining national mandate of wheat production via research and other aspects of agricultural value chain
On his part,Borno State Commissioner of Agriculture who was represented by his Permanent Secretary, Dr Ahmed Tijjani commended Lake Chad Research Institute for developing up to 18 varieties of wheat and for achieving the harvest of over two (2) thousand hectares of wheat, saying Borno State registered nationally as a major wheat producer.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Ruwasa, Alhaji Shettima Mafa lauded Lake Chad Research Institute for the programme and assured to support it via massive farming activities.
Chairman, Mafa local government Council, Alhaji Sanusi Mustapha said Mafa local Council will sought the collaboration of Borno State Government to construct Dams for the cultivation of wheat and other staple food via irrigation farming, stressing that Mafa possesses vast arable land for the cultivation wheat.
