The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has launched the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertiliser to 25,200 smallholder farmers across five North-West states as part of efforts to increase food production and reduce farming costs.

The intervention, implemented under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), targets farmers in Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Jigawa states, providing them with subsidised agricultural inputs ahead of the farming season.

Farmers Receive Fully Subsidised Fertiliser Support

Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony in Katsina State, NADF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, said the programme is designed to improve farmers’ access to quality inputs while supporting the Federal Government’s food security agenda.

According to him, each beneficiary farmer will receive four bags of fertiliser at no cost, while each participating state has been allocated 20,160 bags for distribution to 5,040 selected farmers.

The beneficiaries were identified through collaboration between state governments and the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) to ensure the inputs reach genuine smallholder farmers.

Programme Targets More Than 128,000 Farmers Nationwide

Ibrahim disclosed that the North-West distribution is part of a broader national initiative that will see 515,720 bags of fertiliser distributed to 128,930 smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

He explained that the fertilisers supplied under the programme are locally manufactured and fully traceable, with each bag clearly marked “Not for Sale” to discourage diversion and ensure accountability.

The NADF chief also revealed plans to deploy more than 1,800 extension advisory workers nationwide to provide farmers with technical support, modern farming knowledge and best-practice guidance aimed at improving productivity.

NADF Expands Agricultural Support Interventions

Beyond fertiliser distribution, the agency highlighted several ongoing interventions designed to assist farmers facing production challenges.

These include support programmes for more than 5,000 ginger farmers affected by crop blight in Kaduna State, as well as assistance provided to onion farmers impacted by flooding in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

The agency said the interventions are part of broader efforts to strengthen agricultural resilience, improve yields and support rural livelihoods across the country.

Katsina Governor, Agriculture Minister Back Initiative

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for prioritising the agricultural sector through targeted support programmes aimed at improving productivity and food availability.

The governor described the fertiliser distribution programme as a strategic intervention that will help farmers increase output while contributing to national food security goals.

Also speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and promoting local fertiliser production.

According to the minister, the programme aligns with the State of Emergency on Food Security declared by President Tinubu and is expected to boost agricultural output, create jobs and improve food availability across Nigeria.

Stakeholders Attend Launch Ceremony

The launch event attracted senior government officials, lawmakers, agricultural stakeholders and representatives of several state governments, including delegates from Kaduna and Jigawa states.

Stakeholders expressed optimism that the intervention would provide timely support to farmers, enhance crop production and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s efforts to achieve sustainable food security.