By Felicia Imohimi
The Federal Government has distributed 80,640 bags of free fertiliser to 20,160 registered smallholder farmers in Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi states under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).
The intervention, implemented by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), marks the South-East phase of the Renewed Hope FISP.
The initiative, unveiled in Imo on Monday, is aimed at boosting food production, supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening food security ahead of the 2026 wet farming season.
The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, said the programme was designed to bridge critical farm input gaps, improve agricultural productivity and build farmers’ resilience.
Represented by the General Manager, Technical Services, Mr Ernest Ihedigbo, Ibrahim said the programme would also support indigenous fertiliser manufacturers, strengthen linkages across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and drive rural economic development.
He described FISP as one of the Federal Government’s flagship agricultural interventions aimed at supporting smallholder farmers, stimulating local fertiliser production, strengthening rural economies and advancing national food security.
“FISP is a home-grown agricultural intervention that addresses the needs of smallholder farmers while supporting local fertiliser production, creating jobs and strengthening food security.
“The initiative is anchored on three strategic objectives: stabilising food prices through targeted input support, increasing agricultural productivity by closing input gaps, and strengthening value chain linkages to accelerate agro-economic growth.
“NADF is committed to working with state governments and development partners to unlock the agricultural potential of the South-East and promote sustainable investment in the sector,” he said.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, said the programme is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s drive towards food self-sufficiency.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Ibrahim Tanimu, the minister said the intervention reflected the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing production costs and increasing crop yields through direct support to farmers.
He added that the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Imo State Government, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and NADF would ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution process.
Also speaking, Gov. Hope Uzodimma of Imo described the initiative as a major milestone for agricultural development in the South-East.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, Uzodimma urged beneficiaries to use the fertiliser for farming rather than diverting it.
He said the programme would improve harvests, create jobs and strengthen rural livelihoods.
“We are planting food security, jobs and a better future for the South-East,” he said.
The National President of AFAN, Mr Mohammed Magaji, commended the Federal Government and NADF for rolling out the programme at the onset of the planting season.
Magaji said timely access to quality farm inputs would reduce production costs, increase crop yields and improve the profitability of smallholder farming.
“I commend the adoption of a transparent, data-driven beneficiary selection process. This will ensure that support reaches genuine farmers.
“I also commend the Imo State Government for its investments in agricultural infrastructure, agribusiness development, youth empowerment and rural roads, which are vital to strengthening agricultural value chains,” he said. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
FUA/TAK
Edited by Tosin Kolade