The Plateau State Wheat Farmers Association has held its 2025/2026 pre-season training conference for dry-season wheat planting at the Conference Hall of the Federal Secretariat, Jos. The event, themed “Wheat Farming: The Untapped Gold Mine of Plateau State,” was organized to equip farmers with the knowledge and guidance needed to prepare for the upcoming planting season, learn from the mistakes of the just-concluded rain-fed cycle, and strengthen collaboration among stakeholders as wheat farming continues to grow across the state.
The program enjoyed the support of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), the Plateau Agricultural Development Program (PADP), and Esosa Foods Systems & Innovations.
In his goodwill address, Chairman of the Plateau State Wheat Farmers Association, Pastor Major Gabriel Ad’ofikwu, highlighted the association’s journey, recent challenges, and the direction for the future. He described the previous rain-fed season as “a season of mixed blessings,” explaining that while the rains revived the fields, the experience also exposed technical gaps that farmers must correct. Out of the 47 hectares cultivated in ANDA, Kassa, and Bokkos, only Bokkos recorded fair performance.
He emphasized that the association is targeting a much stronger season ahead, with an ambitious plan to mobilize 1,000 farmers to cultivate 1,000 hectares and produce at least 4,000 metric tons of wheat in 2026. The chairman also announced the official launch of the association’s digital radio platform, created “to keep our farmers informed and connect Plateau wheat farmers to the world at all times,” describing it as a tool that will enhance communication, training, and real-time support for members.
Pastor Ad’ofikwu urged farmers to see their past experiences not as wasted effort but as valuable lessons, saying, “Your experience is not suffering; your experience is a treasure you invest in.” He reiterated the need for stronger collaboration with government agencies and private partners, stressing that improved irrigation, soil management, and strict adherence to recommended practices will determine the success of future planting seasons. He added that the association’s growing relationship with institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture, PADP, and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture has already positioned the state as one of the most promising wheat hubs in Nigeria.
Goodwill messages were delivered by several key stakeholders. The Permanent Secretary of the Plateau State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Yilkudi Nengak Elisha, assured farmers that wheat farming remains a top priority for the government and that every necessary support will be provided to expand production. Representatives from ASTAC, AFAN, LCRI, Esosa Foods Systems & Innovations, and FOMA also emphasized the importance of proper training, collaboration, and the adoption of best agricultural practices as wheat continues to gain prominence across the state.
A major part of the program featured an interactive session led by experts from the Lake Chad Research Institute, where farmers openly shared their experiences and challenges from the previous season. One farmer narrated how rodents destroyed his wheat after it had grown to arm-length, prompting the experts to explain how rodent infestation can be avoided and controlled. Another farmer raised concerns about cattle encroachment, which the experts linked to poor area selection, stressing the importance of choosing secure farmland. A cluster leader also lamented that after planting 50 bags of 50kg wheat across several hectares, the entire crop dried up, leaving the group in debt. LCRI representatives carefully analyzed the situation, pointing out errors such as planting on unsuitable soil, poor ridge formation, and the use of unverified seeds. They then provided guidelines on the proper process for planting wheat, stressing the importance of soil testing, seed treatment, and adherence to standard planting procedures.
In response to the issue of financial losses, the chairman inquired about insurance options, and the experts recommended agricultural insurance packages such as NANSAL to help farmers mitigate risks in future seasons.
In an interview, Pastor Ad’ofikwu expressed confidence in the resilience of Plateau wheat farmers despite their setbacks. “My farmers are enlightened people… we may feel the pains of losses, but we are focused on success,” he said, noting that wheat farming is more than a quick-profit venture, it is a long-term economic opportunity for the state.
He explained that the purpose of the training is to instill discipline and standard practices in wheat production, adding that wheat is a regimented crop that requires strict compliance with international operational procedures. According to him, the training has also created an avenue for experts to guide farmers closely throughout future production cycles. He further encouraged new entrants into wheat farming, explaining that it requires more consistency than capital, citing the example of a woman who planted a small bushel and harvested an entire bag simply because she followed the instructions.
Participants also shared their experiences. Farmer Williams Nehemiah emphasized the importance of land preparation, quality seeds, and soil testing, noting that wheat farming requires both technical knowledge and financial readiness. He said the training has broadened his understanding and will make his next planting season significantly better. Another farmer, Patricia Suliman, described the training as highly impactful and stressed the importance of soil assessment, proper seed treatment, correctly prepared beds, and early planting during the rain-fed season to ensure high yields.
The event concluded with the distribution of farm inputs to members of the association, a gesture aimed at easing their preparation ahead of the dry-season farming cycle. As the farmers dispersed from the venue, there was a renewed sense of unity, knowledge, and determination. Many expressed hope that with improved guidance, stronger support from government and partners, and the rising availability of quality seeds, Plateau State is on the path to becoming a major wheat-producing hub in Nigeria. The conference ended with a collective commitment to transform wheat farming from a budding venture into a thriving economic pillar for the state one that promises food security, job creation, and a stronger agricultural future for generations to come.
