FG Distributes 80,640 Bags of Fertiliser to Boost Food Production

(Fertiliser distribution. Photo Credit: Arise News)

The Federal Government on Monday stepped up efforts to boost food production and reinforce food security through the distribution of 80,640 bags of fertiliser to 20,160 registered smallholder farmers across four South-East states, under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).

The initiative, executed by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), was launched in Owerri, Imo State, targeting beneficiaries from Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi states ahead of the 2026 wet farming season.

Speaking at the event, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the programme as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s pursuit of food self-sufficiency.

He noted that the fertiliser support reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to lowering production costs for farmers while boosting crop yields through direct intervention.

Represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Ibrahim Tanimu, the minister explained that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Imo State Government, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and NADF would guarantee transparency and accountability throughout the distribution process.

The Executive Secretary/Chief Executive of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the initiative was designed to bridge critical gaps in farm inputs, enhance productivity, and build resilience among smallholder farmers.

Represented by the fund’s General Manager, Technical Services, Ernest Ihedigbo, he disclosed that each of the 20,160 registered beneficiaries would receive fertiliser grants under the scheme.

He added that the intervention also aims to strengthen linkages across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain by supporting local fertiliser manufacturers.

According to him, the programme was structured to help stabilise food prices through targeted input support, boost agricultural productivity by improving farmers’ access to essential inputs, and strengthen value chains in order to drive rural economic growth.

He said the fund would continue partnering with state governments and development partners to unlock the agricultural potential of the South-East while promoting sustainable investment in the sector.

Meanwhile, Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodimma, described the initiative as a major boost for agricultural development in the region.

He urged beneficiaries to use the fertilisers strictly for farming purposes, cautioning against diversion of the inputs, and noted that the programme could improve harvests, generate jobs, and strengthen rural livelihoods.

Represented by the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, Uzodimma said the government was planting more than fertilisers, but was in fact laying the foundation for food security, employment, and a brighter future for the South-East.

The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mohammed Magaji, welcomed the intervention, noting that its timing coincided with the start of the planting season.

He said access to quality farm inputs would help reduce production costs, improve yields, and boost the profitability of smallholder farming.

Magaji also praised the transparent, data-driven approach used in selecting beneficiaries, expressing confidence that the support would reach genuine farmers.

He further commended the state government’s investments in agricultural infrastructure, agribusiness development, youth empowerment, and rural roads, describing these as vital to strengthening agricultural value chains.