Plateau Unveils 2026 Dry Season Wheat, Trains Farmers Ahead of New Planting Season.

The Plateau State Wheat Farmers Association (PLSWFA) has unveiled its 2026 dry season wheat harvest for commercial sale, marking a significant milestone in the state’s drive toward increased wheat production and food security.

The symbolic unveiling was performed by the Plateau State Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Samson Bugama, at a Pre-Season Farmers’ Sensitization and Training Conference on Wheat Production held at Ayo Kehinde Hall, Corona School, Bukuru, Jos on Wednesday.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Nengak Yilkudi, the commissioner described wheat farming as an “untapped gold mine” capable of transforming the agricultural and economic fortunes of Plateau State and Nigeria.

Addressing participants at the conference themed “Wheat Farming: The Untapped Gold Mine,” Bugama said the country could no longer afford to overlook the enormous opportunities in wheat production, especially as Nigeria seeks to achieve food security, reduce dependence on imports, create jobs, and diversify the economy.

He noted that Nigeria spends substantial foreign exchange annually importing wheat to meet local demand for products such as bread, noodles, pasta, biscuits, and other wheat-based foods.

According to him, Plateau State possesses unique climatic conditions, fertile soils, and favourable agro-ecological characteristics that position it among the most suitable locations for wheat cultivation in the country.

“Plateau State has a comparative advantage in wheat production and is strategically positioned to become a leading wheat-producing state and a major contributor to Nigeria’s quest for self-sufficiency in wheat production,” he said.

The Commissioner highlighted the commitment of Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration to agricultural transformation, noting that the government has prioritized support for wheat farmers through improved seed distribution, extension services, mechanization support, capacity building, market linkages, and strategic partnerships.

He described wheat farming as more than just an agricultural activity, emphasizing its potential as a profitable business venture capable of generating substantial income for farmers while contributing to national development.

“The growing demand for wheat products across Nigeria guarantees a ready market for producers. Beyond cultivation, opportunities exist in seed multiplication, aggregation, storage, processing, transportation, and marketing, creating employment and wealth for our people,” he stated.

Bugama further explained that the training conference was designed to equip farmers with practical knowledge on improved wheat varieties, land preparation, planting techniques, fertilizer application, pest and disease control, harvesting, post-harvest management, and market opportunities.

He encouraged farmers to embrace innovation, adopt climate-smart agricultural practices, and work closely with extension agents and technical experts to improve productivity and profitability.

The Commissioner also commended development partners, research institutions, financial organizations, and private sector stakeholders for their continued support toward strengthening agriculture in Plateau State.

He assured participants of the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for agricultural investment, value addition, improved productivity, and enhanced market access.

“As we gather under the theme ‘Wheat Farming: The Untapped Gold Mine,’ let us seize this opportunity to transform wheat production from a promising prospect into a thriving economic reality. Together, we can position Plateau State as Nigeria’s premier wheat production hub,” he said before officially declaring the conference open.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Plateau State Wheat Farmers Association, Pastor Major Gabriel Ad’Ofikwu, commended Governor Mutfwang for his passion and commitment to wheat farming, as well as the support being extended to farmers across the state.

He disclosed that the association currently has more than 1,500 members spread across Plateau State and expressed confidence in its capacity to produce wheat that would meet local demand and compete in international markets.

The conference featured technical presentations by agricultural experts, including Dr. Oliver Ndam, who spoke on “Wheat Farming for Beginners: Challenges and Solutions for Starters,” and Hon. Pam Chollom, who delivered a lecture on “Prospects of Wheat Farming in Plateau State and Nigeria at Large.”

Participants drawn from across the wheat value chain attended the event, which aimed to prepare farmers for a successful planting season and boost wheat production in the State.