Wheat production is the most important crop production of the world, which is being harvested somewhere in every month of the year. More hectares of land worldwide are devoted to wheat than any other crop and the world’s total production exceeds that of any other grain.



It is the preferred grain for food in advanced countries. Unlike many other cereal crops, wheat is mainly a food rather than a feed crop.

After processing, the crop product is consumed directly by man, usually as a flour product (bread, pastries, cakes, crackers, macaroni and spaghetti). Wheat is also used in the manufacture of dextrose and alcohol.



In producing wheat flour, the by- products which are higher in protein content serve as a valuable protein supplement in livestock feeds.
The straw provides a valuable fodder. It is used for making baskets and hats, thatching and as packing material.

Wheat production has gained prominence in the import economy of Nigeria which has necessitated various governments to invest on its local production.



SITE SELECTION

Wheat is adaptable to wide range of growing conditions, but is best suited to cool climates with moderate rainfall.
Cool weather is especially important during the tillering and early growth stages.

Wheat can be grown on a wide range of soils, but does best on well-drained, fertile soils of medium to heavy texture.
However, very heavy or very sandy soils should be avoided.

Wheat prefers neutral to slightly alkaline soils.
The site for wheat production must be an area with permanent source of water irrigation.


FIELD MANAGEMENT

Field measurement is very important because its accuracy guides farmers to know their farm sizes for vital decision on farm operations including the right amount of inputs needed and the anticipated yields from the farms.
The use of (Geographical positioning System, GPS) hands receiver has simplified the rigor of land measurement. Land area can be easily measured using GPS receiver while transecting the perimeter of the land.



VARIETIES

It is advisable for Wheat Farmers to source for improved seed variety from their ADPs, NASC or research Institute near your location. This is because good quality seeds are difficult to get from open markets.



Nevertheless, there are a number of wheat varieties in Nigeria which you should bear in mind such as:-

1. SAMWHIT-5 (Siette-Cerrors)
2. SAMWHIT-6 (Pavon F.76)
3. SAMWHIT-7 (Bulbul)....


Find out more here https://www.agrobubble.com/blog/wheat-production-learning-wheat-production-is-not-difficult-at-all-you-just-need-a-great-teacher/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vDEiNcCvYE

Wheat Production in Nigeria

Nigeria imports USD 4 billion worth of wheat annually. Due to high températures, wheat growing has been a challenge. However, through research into new high yielding wheat tolerant varieties, SARD-SC wheat implemented by ICARDA and its partners and funded by AfDB have made it possible and now Nigeria is reducing its wheat imports through local production of wheat