Amidst efforts to boost food production in the country, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP). has commenced the distribution of 100,800 bags of fertiliser to 25,200 smallholder farmers across Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Jigawa states.

The Executive Secretary of NADF Mohammed Ibrahim during the flag off in Kastina Safe at the weekend, said the initiative was designed to reduce production costs to improve access to quality farm inputs and boost food production in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

According to him, each beneficiary farmer will receive four bags of fully subsidised fertiliser, while each participating state will receive 20,160 bags for distribution to 5,040 farmers identified by the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN).

The ED stated that the fertilisers are locally produced, traceable and marked “Not for Sale” to prevent diversion, adding that NADF has also concluded plans to deploy over 1,800 extension advisory workers nationwide to support farmers with technical guidance and best practices.

The NADF boss highlighted the agency’s ongoing interventions in the region, including support for over 5,000 ginger farmers affected by blight in Kaduna State and assistance to flood-affected onion farmers in Kebbi and Sokoto states.

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, commended President Tinubu for prioritising agriculture and described the fertiliser support programme as a strategic intervention aimed at increasing productivity and strengthening food security.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the programme demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting smallholder farmers while boosting local fertiliser production.

He noted that the intervention aligns with the State of Emergency on Food Security declared by President Tinubu and is expected to contribute to increased agricultural output, job creation and improved food security nationwide.

The event was attended by senior government officials, including representatives of the governors of Kaduna and Jigawa states, ministers, lawmakers, and key stakeholders in the agricultural sector.