Farmers Celebrate Approval of Subsidy on Agro Inputs by Nigerian Government
By Chinwe Onuigbo, Awka
Farmers participating in the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One (ATASP-1) within the Adani-Omor Staple Crops Processing Zone have expressed their gratitude to the federal government for the recent approval of a 75% subsidy on agro-inputs. This initiative falls under the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agropocket (NAGS-AP).
Under the new subsidy scheme, eligible farmers receiving SMS Codes or e-tokens will pay between N47,500 and N52,100—depending on their location—to obtain a package that includes 50kg of NPK fertilizer, 50 kg of Urea, 50kg of organic fertilizers, 4 liters of agro-chemicals, and either maize or rice seeds.
The NAGS-AP inputs collection exercise was initially launched at the Ikem headquarters of Isi-Uzo Local Government Area in Enugu State on July 30, 2024, at a 50% subsidy rate. However, it saw limited success as farmers raised concerns about the high costs associated with the inputs.
The recent price reduction, however, has resulted in a jubilant response, with farmers flocking to the ten designated collection centers across Anambra and Enugu states. Many centers reported large turnouts, with profiled farmers successfully redeeming their packages.
At the two redemption centers in Omor, Ayamelum Local Government Area, farmers with valid SMS codes eagerly collected their supplies. One of the lead farmers, Mr. Emeka Mmadubuko from Ifite-Ogwari, expressed his joy at collecting his inputs, stating, “I’m very happy. ATASP-1 has done well, and God will continue to bless them. With these inputs, I am confident that my fertilizer application on my rice farm will yield greater profits. I sincerely thank the federal government for this subsidy program, as it will significantly ease the burdens of average farmers.”
Another farmer, Mr. Cletus Obiora, who redeemed his inputs at Joe Rich Rice Mill in Omor, described the NAGS-AP distribution exercise as a testament to the federal government’s commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity.
“Farmers in Ayamelum are not only pleased about the inputs subsidy but also appreciative of the massive investments made by the federal government under ATASP-1, especially for revitalizing the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project aimed at dry season farming,” he remarked.
Mrs. Nkemdilim Ugbaji, a rice farmer from Adani, expressed her gratitude for the subsidy: “This is a dream come true for rice farmers in Adani to cultivate during the dry season. With this input and the rehabilitation of the irrigation system by ATASP-1, our farming has transitioned from seasonal to all-year-round.”
The Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Sir Ifeanyi Chinweze, also expressed his satisfaction with the distribution exercise, thanking the federal government for assisting struggling farmers. “Our people are thrilled that the federal government has remembered them and their farming needs. The large turnout at the redemption centers reflects this appreciation.“
The Zonal Program Coordinator, ATASP-1 Adani-Omor Zone, Dr. Romanus Egba, who also toured various redemption centers in Enugu and Anambra alongside some key state and local government officials, expressed satisfaction with the turnout of farmers and their orderly conducts so far. Speaking to newsmen after inspection of redemption activities at the Amankanu Development center, Amechi-Idodo in Nkanu East Local Government area of Enugu State, Egba declared:
“We are happy that our farmers responded to this exercise with massive turnouts at various centers. Though the number of redemptions varies across centers, what we are seeing is impressive so far judging from the general apatthy that greeted the exercise initially when the subsidy package was 50 percent.
“This time around, with our massive enlightenment campaign they were able to come out in large numbers. The only minor challenge we are having is that many who hear about the development usually rush to the center with their money for redemption without waiting for SMs Code which is a prerequisite for redemption. But, we are happy that once we explain to them that the codes were being sent in batches, many understand and go home to return when they receive their redemption token.
Earlier, in his opening remarks, Igwe Bennett Ikenna, traditional ruler of Amankanu, thanked the management of ATASP-1, the federal government, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for their support of local farmers.
Comments are closed.