Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, stated this in Zaria during the launch of the Smallholder Farmers Support and Value Chain Development Programme.
The minister said about two million smallholder farmers nationwide would benefit from the initiative, noting that over ten million bags of fertilizer would be distributed at subsidized rates with minimal administrative charges.
Senator Kyari explained that the programme aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to boosting agricultural productivity and ensuring timely support for farmers to achieve increased harvests and strengthen national food security.
In his remarks, National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Faruq mudi Kumo, commended the initiative, describing it as a major step towards achieving the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda in the agricultural sector.
Also speaking, the Group Managing Director of the Bank of Agriculture, Mr. Ayodeji Sotinrin, said the bank, in partnership with Arzikin Noma, would continue to complement government efforts by providing farmers with access to fertilizers, improved seeds, and agrochemicals under flexible repayment arrangements after harvest.
The managing director noted that Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation forThe N11 million tonnes of nation’s annual grain output is expected to rise to 25 million tonnes under the Federal Government’s new agricultural financing programme.
Mr.Ayodeji Sotinrin, said the intervention was aimed at boosting food production, tackling food insecurity and reducing rising food prices.
The initiative, known as the Renewed Hope Smallholder Agricultural Financing Programme, implemented by the BOA is a major intervention designed to improve access to affordable farm inputs, boost crop yields and strengthen national food security. The intervention pledged to make effective use of the inputs to improve agricultural production.
In his remarks, the Group Managing Director of Arzikin Noma Africa, Mr. Adeoluwa Michael Adeshola said the long-term success of the programme depends on sustained private sector participation and strict compliance with loan repayment by beneficiaries.
He said while the government should provide policy direction and funding support, implementation is best driven by the private sector because of its proximity to farmers and understanding of local agricultural value chains.
The event was attended by representatives of the Emir of Zazzau, sarkin noman zazzau Alhaji Aliyu Ibrahim Bamalli,agricultural stakeholders, farmer associations, and women groups.
