The Nigerian government has launched the South-East phase of its Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), providing more than 80,000 bags of fertiliser to over 20,000 smallholder farmers as part of efforts to increase agricultural production and strengthen national food security.

The programme, implemented through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), was officially launched in Owerri, Imo State, ahead of the 2026 wet planting season. Farmers in Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi states will benefit from the initiative, which is designed to reduce production costs while improving crop yields and farm profitability.

A total of 20,160 registered smallholder farmers are expected to receive 80,640 bags of fertiliser under the programme, helping them access essential agricultural inputs at a critical stage of the farming season.

Speaking during the launch, NADF Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibrahim, represented by General Manager for Technical Services Ernest Ihedigbo, said the initiative is aimed at strengthening agricultural productivity while supporting local fertiliser manufacturing and creating employment opportunities across the agricultural value chain.

He explained that the programme is intended to improve food production, stabilise food prices and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s agricultural sector by ensuring farmers receive timely access to quality inputs.

Representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senior Special Adviser Ibrahim Tanimu described the initiative as a strategic investment that will help reduce farmers’ production costs while increasing crop yields and strengthening the country’s food security objectives.

To promote accountability and efficient implementation, the fertiliser distribution will be coordinated through a partnership involving the Imo State Government, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and the National Agricultural Development Fund.

Imo State Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru encouraged beneficiaries to utilise the fertiliser effectively to improve agricultural production, create employment opportunities and support rural economic development.

AFAN National President Mohammed Magaji welcomed the intervention, noting that timely access to quality farm inputs remains one of the most effective ways to improve smallholder productivity, increase farm incomes and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

The Farm Input Support Programme forms part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to improve agricultural productivity, support local input industries and build a more resilient and food-secure farming sector.