The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has launched the distribution of 80,640 bags of fully subsidised fertiliser to 20,160 smallholder farmers across the South-South region under its Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).
The programme, flagged off in Calabar, Cross River State, covers beneficiaries in Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Edo states.
It is aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, reducing farming costs and strengthening food security.
Speaking at the event, NADF Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, represented by Olalekan Alabi, said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting farmers under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, FISP is a targeted intervention designed to ensure fertiliser reaches verified farmers cultivating priority food crops at the right time to improve yields and livelihoods.
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Ibrahim disclosed that 128,930 smallholder farmers nationwide will benefit from the distribution of 515,720 bags of fertiliser.
In the South-South, each participating state will receive 20,160 bags for 5,040 registered farmers, with each beneficiary receiving four bags.
He noted that all fertiliser supplied under the programme is produced in Nigeria, fully subsidised and marked “Not for Sale” to prevent diversion.
According to him, beneficiaries have been verified through a validation process, while independent monitors will assess the programme’s impact after the farming season.
Extension Advisory Workers
The NADF boss also announced plans to deploy over 1,800 Extension Advisory Workers nationwide next month, with 30 officers assigned to each state.
He said the Fund is also finalising a fertiliser recommendation manual to guide farmers on proper application.
Representing Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, commended the Nigerian Government and NADF for supporting smallholder farmers, describing them as critical to Nigeria’s agricultural growth.
Ayambem assured that the distribution process would be transparent and urged beneficiaries to use the fertiliser effectively to increase yields and incomes.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sampson George said the intervention would boost food production, support local fertiliser manufacturers and improve national food security.
He noted that the programme builds on previous agricultural interventions and aligns with the Nigerian Government’s drive to achieve food security and self-sufficiency.
Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, said “the initiative complements the state’s ongoing agricultural support programmes, including mechanisation, improved seedlings and farmer training”.
He stressed that stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners and farmer groups would help increase productivity, raise rural incomes and enhance food security.
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