The International Fund for Agricultural Development (FGN/IFAD)-assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP-AF) has begun distributing farm inputs to 330 farmers across Kogi State, North Central, Nigeria
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, launched the exercise on Saturday in Lokoja.
He was represented by Hajia Mariat Ibrahim, the Director of Administration at the ministry.
Ojomah praised the VCDP for its tireless support to farmers and its contributions to Kogi’s agricultural development and economic growth.
He commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo for his sustained commitment to farmers through agricultural initiatives that enhance food security in the state.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural growth.
Earlier, Dr. Stella Adejoh, State Coordinator of FGN/IFAD-VCDP, said the initiative aims to enhance productivity and food security in rice and cassava production.
She said the programme covers five local government areas: Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Olamaboro, Kabba-Bunu, and Ibaji.
According to Adejoh, 330 farmers are beneficiaries in this current phase of the 2025 wet season farming.
“This brings the cumulative number of supported farmers to approximately 5,600 across the five participating LGAs,” she said.
She added that the farm input distribution is inclusive, targeting women, youths, and vulnerable groups.
Adejoh explained that farmers contribute 50 percent of input costs, while VCDP covers the remaining 50 percent.
She thanked Governor Ododo for his proactive payment of counterpart funding and support for the VCDP programme.
She advised farmers to utilise the inputs on their farms and warned against selling them, assuring that monitoring will be conducted.
Mr. George Ogirima, Managing Director of Kogi Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), applauded the governor’s agricultural policy focus.
He praised the VCDP for visible project execution across the five benefiting LGAs.
Ogirima also commended Dr. Adejoh and her team for their commitment to advancing agriculture in Kogi.
Beneficiaries, including Mr. Salihu Abdullahi from Lokoja and Mrs. Esther Joseph from Olamaboro, expressed appreciation for the support.
The farmers pledged to use the inputs effectively to ensure a bountiful harvest this wet season.
“We are grateful to VCDP and the government. This support will reduce our hardship and boost our harvest,” Joseph said.
Inputs distributed included improved rice seeds, Urea and NPK fertilisers, selective and non-selective herbicides, and insecticides.