By Sarah NEGEDU
Small-holder farmers in the Federal Capital Territory have received 11,720 bags of fertilisers under a distribution exercise organised by the National Agricultural Development Fund, NADF, to boost agricultural productivity and support food security in the territory.
The flag-off and formal handover of the fertilisers, targeted at 2,930 beneficiaries, as part of efforts to strengthen food production and reduce the cost of farming inputs under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, described the intervention as a timely support for farmers, noting that agriculture remains central to national development, economic stability and food security.
She commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what she called his visionary leadership in transforming the agricultural sector, stressing that ongoing policies are empowering farmers and improving local food production.
According to a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Austine Elemue, the minister said the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural value chain and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
She said investing in agriculture is an investment in national prosperity, adding that increased support for farmers would enhance productivity and reduce dependence on food imports.
The minister urged beneficiaries to make judicious use of the fertilisers and adopt modern farming practices to maximise yields and improve food sufficiency across the FCT.
She also reaffirmed the commitment of the FCT Administration to deepen collaboration with relevant stakeholders in expanding agricultural infrastructure, extension services, capacity building and market access.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, NADF, Engr. Mohammed Ibrahim, said the programme was designed as a targeted intervention to improve productivity and strengthen food supply chains.
He said agriculture must be treated as a key engine of national development, noting that effective support to farmers would translate into job creation, stronger rural economies and improved food availability.
“When we get agriculture right, we create jobs, strengthen rural communities, improve food supply, and put more value in the hands of farmers,” he said.
“It is not fertiliser distribution for the sake of distribution. It is targeted support designed to get fertiliser to the right farmers, for the right crops, at the right time.”
He added that the intervention aimed to reduce production costs, improve access to quality inputs and increase yield per hectare.
The programme, he said, was part of efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to ensure food security and build a more resilient agricultural sector.
