FG Distributes 100,800 Fertiliser Bags To Boost Food Production In Five Northern States
Federal Government Expands Food Security Drive
THE Federal Government has intensified efforts to strengthen agricultural production and improve food security with the commencement of the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertiliser to 25,200 smallholder farmers across five northern states.
The intervention, being implemented through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), targets farmers in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Jigawa states.
Officials said the programme is designed to reduce production costs, improve access to quality farm inputs and increase crop yields as part of broader efforts to address food shortages and rising food prices.
Speaking during the official launch in Katsina State, Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, described the initiative as a strategic response to the challenges confronting smallholder farmers across the country.
According to him, agriculture remains central to Nigeria’s economic growth and food security objectives, making it imperative for government interventions to reach farmers directly.
Thousands of Farmers to Benefit
Under the programme, each beneficiary farmer will receive four bags of fully subsidised fertiliser, while each participating state has been allocated 20,160 bags for distribution to 5,040 farmers.
The beneficiaries were identified through the state chapters of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), ensuring that support reaches genuine farmers actively engaged in agricultural production.
Ibrahim explained that the fertiliser products were manufactured locally and clearly labelled “Not for Sale” as part of measures aimed at preventing diversion and ensuring transparency in distribution.
He further disclosed that the agency has concluded arrangements to deploy more than 1,800 extension advisory workers nationwide. The extension officers are expected to provide farmers with technical support, modern farming techniques and best agricultural practices capable of increasing productivity.
Broader Agricultural Interventions
Beyond the fertiliser programme, the NADF has continued to implement interventions targeted at farmers affected by various challenges.
According to Ibrahim, over 5,000 ginger farmers in Kaduna State who suffered devastating losses from ginger blight have received support from the agency.
Similarly, onion farmers affected by flooding in Kebbi and Sokoto states have also benefited from targeted assistance programmes aimed at helping them recover from production setbacks.
The agency noted that such interventions form part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen agricultural resilience and protect livelihoods in farming communities.
Government Reaffirms Commitment to Food Security
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for prioritising agriculture and implementing programmes designed to improve food production.
He described the fertiliser support scheme as a timely intervention that would help farmers expand cultivation and contribute to national food security objectives.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the programme aligns with the Federal Government’s food security agenda and complements ongoing efforts to stimulate local agricultural production.
According to him, the intervention is expected to increase agricultural output, create jobs, strengthen local fertiliser production and support economic growth in rural communities.
Agriculture at the Centre of Economic Recovery
Stakeholders at the event observed that rising food inflation and supply challenges have heightened the need for targeted support to farmers.
They argued that reducing production costs through subsidised inputs could encourage higher levels of cultivation and improve food availability nationwide.
With the commencement of fertiliser distribution and plans to deploy extension workers, analysts believe the programme could play a significant role in boosting productivity during the current farming season and advancing Nigeria’s long-term food security ambitions.
