Fertiliser distribution under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme has reached 20,160 registered smallholder farmers across Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi, strengthening food security ahead of the 2026 wet season.
The Federal Government has distributed 80,640 bags of free fertiliser to 20,160 registered smallholder farmers across 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 and is aimed at increasing food production, supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening food security ahead of the 2026 wet farming season.
Speaking during the programme’s launch in Imo State on Monday, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mr Mohammed Ibrahim, said the initiative was designed to bridge critical farm input gaps, improve agricultural productivity and build the resilience of farmers.
Represented by the General Manager, Technical Services, Mr Ernest Ihedigbo, Ibrahim explained that the programme would also support indigenous fertiliser manufacturers, strengthen linkages across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain and promote rural economic development.
He described the Renewed Hope FISP as one of the Federal Government’s flagship agricultural interventions focused on supporting smallholder farmers, boosting local fertiliser production, stimulating job creation and advancing national food security.
According to him, the initiative is built on three strategic objectives: stabilising food prices through targeted farm input support, increasing agricultural productivity by closing input gaps and strengthening agricultural value chains to accelerate agro-economic growth.
Ibrahim reaffirmed NADF’s commitment to partnering with state governments and development partners to unlock the agricultural potential of the South-East and encourage sustainable investment in the sector.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, described the programme as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s quest for food self-sufficiency.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Ibrahim Tanimu, the minister said the intervention demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to reducing production costs and improving crop yields through direct support for farmers.
He added that the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Imo State Government, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and NADF would guarantee transparency and accountability in the distribution of the fertiliser.
Also speaking, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, described the initiative as a significant milestone for agricultural development in the South-East.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Chinyere Ekomaru, the governor urged beneficiaries to use the fertiliser strictly for farming activities and avoid diverting it for other purposes.
He noted that the programme would improve harvests, create employment opportunities and strengthen rural livelihoods across the region.
“We are planting food security, jobs and a better future for the South-East,” he said.
The National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Mr Mohammed Magaji, commended the Federal Government and NADF for rolling out the programme at the beginning of the planting season.
Magaji said timely access to quality fertiliser and other farm inputs would reduce production costs, increase crop yields and improve the profitability of smallholder farming.
He also praised the transparent, data-driven process used to identify beneficiaries, noting that it would ensure support reaches genuine farmers.
The AFAN president further applauded the Imo State Government for its investments in agricultural infrastructure, agribusiness development, youth empowerment and rural road construction, describing them as critical to strengthening agricultural value chains and driving sustainable rural development.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
