Lokoja: The Federal Government has initiated the distribution of farm inputs valued at hundreds of millions of Naira to more than 10,000 farmers in Kogi. The inauguration took place at the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) office, led by Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, who emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing food security in the nation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the distribution includes essential farming equipment and materials such as power tillers, herbicides, liquid fertilizers, knapsack sprayers, and water pumps, amounting to billions of Naira. The initiative is set to extend to farmers in Abia, Anambra, Cross River, Imo, Kwara, Rivers, and Yobe states through commodity associations, cooperative groups, and other farmer support networks.
The minister, represented by Alhaji Abdulmalik Abdul-Ganiyu, Deputy Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at FMAFS, highlighted the initiative’s aim to provide affordable inputs through a transparent process. The focus is on facilitating access to agro-inputs and basic farm machinery for small-scale farmers, helping to alleviate the financial burdens they face due to high market costs.
The primary goal is to support farmers and increase food production in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly achieving zero hunger and addressing the nation’s food crisis. The minister encouraged beneficiaries to effectively utilize the inputs to enhance national food production.
In his remarks, Kogi’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, described the empowerment initiative as a significant step that benefits all agricultural cooperative societies in the state. He expressed optimism for a productive 2026 in food production, noting the empowerment as a boost for dry season farming.
Mr. Saliu Adobanyi, Chairman of the Kogi Chapter of AFAN, expressed gratitude for the federal and state governments’ support, urging beneficiaries to start using the materials immediately. Additionally, Mrs. Esther Audu, Chairperson of the Nigeria Women in Agriculture Cooperative Federation Limited, thanked the government for the initiative, calling it highly encouraging for farmers.