Six varieties of rain-fed wheat under field experiments by the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI) have shown strong prospects on the Jos Plateau, raising optimism for large-scale wet-season wheat cultivation in the region.
The development could see more farmers embrace rain-fed wheat farming, a potential game-changer in a region long known mainly for vegetable production.
Plateau State is one of three sites identified as capable of growing wheat throughout the rainy season. The other two are Mambilla Plateau in Taraba State and Obudu in Cross River State.
Dr. Zakari Turaki, Director of the LCRI Station in Jos, explained that the six varieties, which are likely to reach farmers soon, are among the entries already showcased to policymakers. He said the institute has also completed the Farmer Participatory Variety Selection (FPVS) process, which is a key requirement for the release of new varieties. He noted that four of these varieties are disease-resistant and are due for release this year or next. They have demonstrated strong resistance to Fusarium blight, Septoria and Rust, which are common wheat diseases.
According to the breeder, the institute will release one variety each addressing the prevalent diseases in the area, in addition to two other varieties currently on trial that focus on improving nutrition through high iron and zinc content.
‘Iron and zinc are particularly important because zinc is an essential nutrient for health. There’s something we call ‘hidden hunger’ – many people eat enough food but still lack vital minerals and vitamins. These biofortified wheat varieties are rich in zinc, and we plan to release two of them to farmers for cultivation,’ he said.
In a move to support continued research, Plateau State Governor Caleb Mutfwang and the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, attended the Second National Rain-fed Wheat Farmers’ Field Day held in Kuru, Jos, over the weekend.
The LCRI has been developing several wheat varieties that can adapt to wet-season climates across Nigeria’s three major ecological zones.
Governor Mutfwang announced the allocation of 50 hectares of land to the research institute for further trials and expressed concern over the generally low crop yields per hectare across the country. He called for bold reforms and scientific approaches to boost productivity and food security.
‘We have to come to a point where we decide that enough is enough of all the wastage of opportunities. At this point, we must be deliberate, intentional, and scientific, and ensure we key into global best practices. That is the only way we can help ourselves,’ he said.
Reacting to what he observed on the experimental fields, Senator Abubakar Kyari said the new climate-resilient rain-fed wheat varieties would help increase domestic production, reduce import dependence, and enhance food and nutrition security while guaranteeing better financial returns for Nigerian farmers.
‘Through strategic partnerships with development agencies, private-sector investors, and state governments, we are scaling up rain-fed wheat cultivation from pilot fields like this to hundreds of thousands of hectares nationwide. Farmers will have access to certified seeds, modern mechanization services, and reliable market linkages-making wheat production both profitable and sustainable,’ the minister stated.
He added that the successful cultivation of rain-fed wheat in Kuru is transformative for Nigeria’s agricultural landscape.
‘It means that wheat production is no longer confined to irrigated zones. Farmers in the highlands of Jos, Mambilla and Obudu in Plateau, Taraba, and Cross River states respectively can now grow wheat during the rainy season-naturally, sustainably, and profitably.
‘This innovation opens the door to a future where Nigeria’s wheat demand can be met by our own farmers and grown on our own soil,’ he said.