The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Sudan have disrupted global wheat production, creating a severe shortage of wheat seeds, according to Lawan Bala Garba, Chairman of the Wheat Farmers Association in Gombe State. He explained that farmers are struggling to secure seeds for the current dry season, with the planting window rapidly closing.
Ukraine, a leading global wheat producer, and Sudan, a key African supplier, have been crippled by wars, resulting in ripple effects that have reached Nigerian markets. Garba highlighted that the high demand for wheat has depleted seed stocks, leaving farmers unable to plant.
“If seeds aren’t secured before December, the losses will be substantial,” Garba warned, noting the rising cost of flour has further exacerbated the problem. He urged the government to act swiftly, sourcing wheat seeds internationally to prevent a crisis in wheat production.
Gombe State’s wheat farming has grown in popularity, with over 9,000 farmers cultivating the crop annually. Nafada Local Government Area alone has more than 3,000 hectares dedicated to wheat farming. Garba emphasized the importance of better seed management practices, encouraging farmers to reserve seeds for future planting rather than selling their entire yield.
He concluded with a call for immediate government intervention and long-term solutions, warning that failure to act could jeopardize the region’s wheat farming industry.
