Nigeria’s Vice President, Alhaji Kashim Shettima has flagged off the nationwide distribution of 515,720 bags of fertiliser under the National Agricultural Development Fund’s (NADF) Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).
Represented by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Abdullahi, at the launch in Abuja on Tuesday, Shettima described the intervention as a major step towards boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
The fertilisers, comprising urea and NPK, will be distributed to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja.
“The provision of 515,720 bags of urea and NPK fertilisers to 128,930 smallholder farmers underscores this administration’s resolve to uplift our farmers and enhance agricultural productivity,” he said.
Shettima disclosed that 11,210 bags of fertiliser would be distributed to 2,930 registered farmers in Abuja.
According to him, “The Farm Input Support Programme focuses on smallholder farmers cultivating less than 0.5 hectares of land, who remain the backbone of Nigeria’s food system.”
He stressed the need for transparency and accountability in the distribution process, saying stakeholders must ensure the inputs reach the intended beneficiaries, particularly women, youths and vulnerable farmers.
Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said that the intervention was coming at a critical stage of the farming season.
“The programme is being implemented at a critical period to reduce production costs for smallholder farmers, increase yields and strengthen national food supply.”
Describing FISP as a strategic intervention, Ibrahim said: “It is designed to deliver the right inputs to the right farmers at the right time to support food production.”
He added: “All fertilisers distributed under the scheme are locally produced, traceable and clearly marked ‘Not for Sale’ to ensure accountability.”
On the importance of the initiative, Ibrahim said: “Food security is not a side issue. It is a national priority. It is central to economic stability, rural prosperity, job creation and the well-being of Nigerian households.”
GIK/APA