Thousands of farmers across five local government areas in Enugu State have received fertilisers, certified seeds, herbicides and cassava stems under the IFAD-VCDP programme, a move aimed at increasing agricultural productivity, improving yields and strengthening food security during the wet farming season.
The International Fund for Agricultural Development–Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) has distributed a wide range of agricultural inputs to rural farmers across its intervention communities in Enugu State as part of efforts to enhance wet-season farming and improve food production.
The distribution exercise was inaugurated on Friday at Ezinesi Oduma in Aninri Local Government Area, bringing critical farming support closer to beneficiaries across the programme’s operational areas.
Items distributed included 2,480 bags of 50kg NPK fertiliser, 640 bags of 50kg urea fertiliser, 320 bags of 50kg certified rice seeds, herbicides, and 15,000 bundles of cassava stems.
Speaking during the inauguration, the State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP in Enugu State, Dr. Edward Isiwu, said the intervention was part of the programme’s annual agricultural support initiative implemented through a matching grant arrangement.
According to Isiwu, participating farmers contributed 50 per cent of the cost of the inputs, while IFAD-VCDP provided the remaining 50 per cent to ensure affordability and increase agricultural productivity.
He commended the administration of Governor Peter Mbah for its sustained commitment to agricultural development, noting that the state government’s support has continued to strengthen farming activities across rural communities.
“The Governor of Enugu State is passionate about agriculture and has consistently supported farmers. Every year, IFAD-VCDP, with the support of the state government, provides agro-inputs to farmers on a matching grant basis,” Isiwu said.
He explained that beneficiary farmer groups made contributions based on the number of hectares allocated to them, with some organisations covering 10 hectares while others paid for up to 15 hectares depending on their membership strength.
Isiwu stressed that the timely delivery of the inputs would enable farmers to maximise the current planting season and achieve better yields.
He noted that delayed distribution in previous years often affected productivity, but this year’s exercise coincided with the onset of rainfall and active farming operations.
According to him, IFAD-VCDP has established redemption centres in its five intervention local government areas-Aninri, Nkanu East, Isi-Uzo, Enugu East and Udenu-to facilitate smooth access to the inputs. The redemption process is expected to continue for one month.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Graicia Global Ltd., Dr. Christopher Ugwu, said the high-quality inputs supplied under the programme would significantly improve agricultural output and productivity among beneficiaries.
Ugwu described Aninri as one of Enugu State’s major agricultural hubs, adding that the area’s farmers have consistently demonstrated strong commitment to farming activities.
He disclosed that certified Faro 44 and Faro 45 rice varieties were among the inputs distributed to enhance crop performance and increase yields.
Ugwu further praised the decision to decentralise the distribution exercise to local government areas, saying it has made access easier and more convenient for farmers.
He assured beneficiaries that the company would continue monitoring the utilisation of the inputs to ensure they are effectively deployed for agricultural production.
Beneficiaries welcomed the intervention, describing it as timely and impactful.
A representative of the Umuikuku Cooperative Society, Mrs Florence Okoli, expressed appreciation to IFAD-VCDP and the Enugu State Government for providing farmers with essential agricultural resources.
She said the fertilisers, herbicides and improved rice seeds would enhance farming operations and create better economic opportunities for rural households.
Another beneficiary, Mr Ferdinand Ani, described the programme as one of the most effective agricultural interventions in recent years, citing the prompt delivery of inputs at the beginning of the farming season.
He noted that the support would help increase crop yields, improve livelihoods and contribute to poverty reduction in participating communities.
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