By Felicia Imohimi
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) says its strategic interventions in fertiliser distribution, farmer support and modern farming practices are helping to advance food security and boost agricultural productivity across Nigeria.
The Executive Secretary of NADF, Muhammed Ibrahim, said this in a statement on Friday while reacting to President Bola Tinubu’s commendation of the fund’s contributions to the agricultural sector.
Ibrahim said NADF’s implementation of the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (RH-FISP) was designed to improve access to farm inputs for smallholder farmers and increase food production nationwide.
According to him, the programme is currently distributing 515,720 bags of locally produced fertiliser to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory during the ongoing planting season.
He said the intervention was helping to improve yields, reduce production costs and strengthen national food security.
Ibrahim noted that beyond fertiliser distribution, the fund was promoting modern agricultural practices through digital extension services, harmonised fertiliser application guidance and targeted support for priority crops, including rice, maize, cassava and soybean.
He said NADF had continued to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to improve farmers’ access to quality inputs and strengthen agricultural value chains.
Ibrahim said the initiatives aligned with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food security, agricultural productivity and rural development.
He reiterated the fund’s commitment to supporting programmes and partnerships that enhance productivity, improve farmers’ livelihoods and contribute to sustainable food systems across the country.
The President had earlier commended NADF for its role in expanding farmers’ access to fertiliser and supporting the administration’s food security objectives.
According to him, the fund’s interventions across the fertiliser value chain have helped sustain local production capacity and improve the affordability of farm inputs in spite of rising global costs.
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Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Tosin Kolade
