The Federal Government has started distributing fertiliser to farmers in the South-East under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).
The programme was launched on Monday in Owerri, Imo State, and will provide 80,640 bags of fertiliser to 20,160 registered smallholder farmers in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, and Ebonyi states.
The initiative is being carried out by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) to help farmers increase food production, reduce farming costs, and improve food security ahead of the 2026 farming season.
Speaking at the launch, NADF Executive Secretary Mohammed Ibrahim, represented by the General Manager of Technical Services, Ernest Ihedigbo, said every registered farmer in the programme would receive fertiliser support.
He explained that the programme was created to improve farm productivity while also supporting local fertiliser manufacturers and creating jobs.
According to him, the programme aims to:
Help stabilise food prices through fertiliser support.
Increase agricultural productivity by providing needed farm inputs.
Strengthen agricultural value chains and support economic growth.
Ibrahim said NADF would continue working with state governments and development partners to develop agriculture in the South-East and attract more investment to the sector.
Representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, Senior Special Adviser Ibrahim Tanimu described the programme as an important step towards achieving food self-sufficiency in Nigeria.
He said the government is committed to reducing production costs and helping farmers increase crop yields through direct support.
Tanimu added that a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Imo State Government, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), and NADF would ensure transparency and proper distribution of the fertilisers.
Representing Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru praised the initiative and described it as a major boost for agriculture in the South-East.
She urged beneficiaries to use the fertilisers for farming and not divert them for other purposes. She said the programme would improve harvests, create jobs, and enhance the living conditions of rural communities.
“We are planting more than fertilisers today; we are planting food security, jobs, and a better future for the South-East,” she said.
AFAN National President Mohammed Magaji also commended the Federal Government and NADF for launching the programme at the beginning of the planting season. He said timely access to quality fertiliser would reduce production costs, increase crop yields, and improve farmers’ profits.
