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) under the National Agricultural Development Fund’s (NADF) Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).
Represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, at the national launch in Abuja, Shettima described the intervention as a significant step towards boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He disclosed 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 constitute 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 support our farmers and enhance agricultural productivity,” he said.
The Vice President called for transparency in the distribution process and urged stakeholders to ensure that the fertilisers reach the intended beneficiaries, particularly women, youths and vulnerable farmers.
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The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Mr Mohammed A. Ibrahim, said the intervention was being implemented at a critical stage of the farming season to reduce production costs, increase yields and strengthen the nation’s 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 Nigerian households,” Ibrahim said.
He explained 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. He added that all fertilisers distributed under the scheme are locally produced, traceable and clearly marked ‘Not for Sale’ to ensure accountability.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture Production and Services, Hon. Bello Kaoje, described the initiative as a direct anti-hunger measure that would boost food production, stabilise food prices and support inclusive economic growth.
The Federal Government stated that 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
