The federal government on Tuesday inaugurated the nationwide distribution of 515,720 bags of urea and NPK fertilisers to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the event in Abuja, said the intervention was under the National Agricultural Development Fund’s (NADF) Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).

He was represented by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Abdullahi.

Mr Shettima noted that the intervention was a major step towards boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

He said 11,210 bags of fertiliser would be distributed to 2,930 registered farmers in the FCT, adding that the programme targeted smallholder farmers cultivating less than 0.5 hectares of land, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s food production system.

“The provision of 515,720 bags of urea and NPK fertilisers to 128,930 smallholder farmers underscores this administration’s resolve to uplift farmers and enhance agricultural productivity.

“The programme will be closely monitored to ensure transparency, accountability and measurable impact on farm productivity, food supply and rural livelihoods as efforts to achieve national food security gather momentum.

“I call for transparent distribution of the fertilisers and urge stakeholders to ensure the inputs reach the intended beneficiaries, particularly women, youths and vulnerable farmers,” Mr Shettima said.

Mohammed Ibrahim, executive secretary of NADF, said the intervention was being implemented at a critical stage of the farming season to reduce production costs, increase yields and strengthen the national food supply.

Mr Ibrahim identified food security as a national priority, central to economic stability, rural prosperity, job creation and the well-being of Nigerian households.

He reaffirmed that the FISP was a targeted intervention designed to deliver the right inputs to the right farmers at the right time.

“All fertilisers distributed under the scheme are locally produced, traceable and clearly marked ‘Not for Sale’ to ensure accountability,” he said.

The chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture Production and Services, Bello Kaoje, described the initiative as a direct anti-hunger measure that would boost food production, stabilise food prices and support inclusive economic growth.

 (NAN)