The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commenced the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertiliser to 25,200 smallholder farmers across Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Jigawa states, under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Katsina on Saturday, NADF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, said the initiative is designed to reduce production costs, improve access to quality farm inputs and boost food production in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He said each beneficiary farmer will receive four bags of fully subsidised fertiliser, while each participating state will receive 20,160 bags for distribution to 5,040 farmers identified through state governments and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
According to Ibrahim, the North-West intervention forms part of a nationwide programme that will see 515,720 bags of fertiliser distributed to 128,930 smallholder farmers across the country.
He noted that the fertilisers are locally produced, traceable and clearly marked “Not for Sale” to prevent diversion, adding that NADF has also concluded plans to deploy over 1,800 extension advisory workers nationwide to support farmers with technical guidance and best practices.
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The NADF boss highlighted the agency’s ongoing interventions in the region, including support for over 5,000 ginger farmers affected by blight in Kaduna State and assistance to flood-affected onion farmers in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commended President Tinubu for prioritising agriculture and described the fertiliser support programme as a strategic intervention aimed at increasing productivity and strengthening food security.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the programme demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers while boosting local fertiliser production.
He noted that the intervention aligns with the State of Emergency on Food Security declared by President Tinubu and is expected to contribute to increased agricultural output, job creation and improved food security nationwide.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including representatives of the governors of Kaduna and Jigawa states, ministers, lawmakers and key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
