Vice President Kashim Shettima has flagged off the nationwide distribution of 515,720 bags of urea and NPK fertilisers to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The intervention which is anchored under the National Agricultural Development Fund’s (NADF) Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme(FISP), is aimed to boost agricultural productivity, and in furtherance of the food security mandate of the Tinubu led administration.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, Shettima who was represented by Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, described the intervention as a major step towards boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods.
He explained that 11,210 bags of fertiliser would be distributed to 2,930 registered farmers in the FCT, stressing that the programme targets smallholder farmers, cultivating less than 0.5 hectares of land, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food production system.
“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.
The Vice President called for transparent distribution of the fertilisers and urged stakeholders to ensure the inputs reach intended beneficiaries, particularly women, youths and vulnerable farmers.
In his remarks, Mohammed Ibrahim, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, said that the intervention is being implemented at a critical stage of the farming season to reduce production costs, increase yields and strengthen national food supply.
“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 the Nigerian household,” Ibrahim said.
He noted that the Farm Input Support Programme(FISP) is a targeted intervention designed to deliver the right inputs to the right farmers at the right time, adding that all fertilisers distributed under the scheme are locally produced, traceable and clearly marked “Not for Sale” to ensure accountability.
The Federal Government also said the programme would be closely monitored to ensure transparency, accountability and measurable impact on farm productivity, food supply and rural livelihoods, as efforts to achieve national food security gather momentum.
