The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has commenced the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertiliser to 25,200 smallholder farmers across five North-West states under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), a key initiative aimed at boosting food production and reducing farming costs.
The programme, which covers Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Jigawa states, was officially flagged off in Katsina.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Mohammed Abu Ibrahim, said the intervention is designed to improve farmers’ access to quality agricultural inputs, enhance productivity and support the Federal Government’s food security agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to Ibrahim, each beneficiary farmer will receive four bags of fully subsidised fertiliser, while each participating state will be allocated 20,160 bags for distribution to 5,040 farmers selected through their respective state governments in collaboration with the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).
He explained that the initiative forms part of broader efforts by NADF to strengthen agricultural production and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers across the country.
The NADF chief highlighted several ongoing interventions by the agency in the North-West region, including support for more than 5,000 ginger farmers affected by the ginger blight outbreak in Kaduna State and assistance to flood-affected onion farmers in Kebbi and Sokoto states.
He noted that all fertiliser supplied under the programme is locally produced, traceable and clearly labelled “Not for Sale” to curb diversion and ensure that the inputs reach the intended beneficiaries.
Ibrahim further disclosed that the Fund has concluded plans to deploy more than 1,800 extension advisory workers nationwide to provide farmers with technical support, climate-smart farming guidance and best agricultural practices aimed at improving yields and productivity.
“The objective is not only to provide inputs but also to ensure that farmers receive the knowledge and support needed to maximise the benefits of these interventions,” he said.
In his remarks, the Governor of Katsina State, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commended President Tinubu for prioritising agriculture as a critical sector for economic growth and national development.
He described the fertiliser support programme as a strategic intervention that would help increase agricultural productivity, lower production costs and strengthen food security across the country.
Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting initiatives that empower farmers and improve agricultural output in the state.
Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s determination to support smallholder farmers while promoting local fertiliser production.
According to the minister, improving access to farm inputs remains essential to achieving sustainable food production, reducing dependence on food imports and ensuring national food security.
He urged beneficiaries to utilise the fertiliser judiciously to maximise output during the current farming season.
The Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme is one of several agricultural interventions being implemented by the Federal Government through NADF to strengthen food systems, enhance farmers’ resilience and accelerate agricultural transformation across the country.