Abuja: The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of 11,720 bags of fertilizer to 2,930 smallholder farmers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, announced the initiative during the distribution exercise held in Abuja, stating that the effort falls under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP), Phase I. She emphasized that each beneficiary will receive four bags of fertilizer free of charge.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the FISP is being implemented by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF). It aims to boost local food production and tackle food security challenges nationwide. The intervention is part of the Federal Government’s broader efforts to empower local farmers and improve livelihoods.
Dr. Mahmoud praised President Bola Tinubu’s investment in agriculture as vital for the country’s economic stability. She noted that agriculture is a critical pillar of national development, and investing in farmers is tantamount to investing in the nation’s prosperity and stability. The provision of quality farm inputs is expected to increase crop yields and strengthen the resilience of farming communities across the FCT. She encouraged beneficiaries to adopt modern farming practices and efficiently use the fertilizers to enhance productivity, contributing to the goal of reducing food imports.
The minister assured stakeholders of the FCT Administration’s commitment to partnering with relevant institutions to provide necessary infrastructure, extension services, and market access, creating an enabling environment for agricultural growth.
Sen. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, stated that the Tinubu administration has adopted a coordinated approach to transforming the agricultural sector. He highlighted the perception of farmers as national entrepreneurs who are key to unlocking Nigeria’s economic potential. Abdullahi also cautioned beneficiaries against selling the inputs, emphasizing the strategic nature of this intervention in catalyzing the agricultural sector.
Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of NADF, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, assured the public that transparency measures are in place to ensure the farm inputs reach the right people. He noted that the targeted support aims to alleviate the high production costs currently faced by smallholder farmers.
National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Magaji, advocated for sustained government investment in the agricultural sector. Additionally, Mr. Abdulaziz Ibrahim, a traditional leader speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude to the federal government for the timely intervention.