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By Florence Adidi
The Government of Nigeria has launched the South Eastern phase of the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Program (FISP), with the distribution of 80,640 bags of fertilizer to 20,160 registered smallholder farmers in Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi states.
The intervention, implemented by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), was reported at Ndubuisi Kanu (Heroes) Square, Owerri, Imo State. The aim is to increase food production, support affected farmers and strengthen food security ahead of the 2026 wet agricultural season.
Speaking at the launch, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, represented by the Fund’s Director General of Technical Services, Ernest Ihedigbo, said the program was designed to bridge critical agricultural input gaps, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen farmers’ resilience.
He revealed that 20,160 small farmers in the four participating states will each receive fertilizer subsidies under the program.
According to Ibrahim, the program also supports indigenous fertilizer producers, creating stronger linkages across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain while promoting rural economic development.
“The Agricultural Input Support Program is a local agricultural intervention that addresses the needs of smallholder farmers while supporting local fertilizer production, creating jobs and strengthening food security,” he said.
He explained that the initiative is anchored on three strategic objectives: stabilizing food prices through targeted input support, increasing agricultural productivity by closing input gaps, and strengthening value chain linkages to accelerate agroeconomic growth.
Ibrahim reaffirmed the NADF’s commitment to working with state governments and development partners to unlock the agricultural potential of the South East and promote sustainable investment in the sector.
Representing the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, Ibrahim Tanimu, described the program as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s drive towards food self-sufficiency.
He said the intervention reflects the federal government’s commitment to reducing production costs and increasing yields through direct support to farmers.
Tanimu noted that the memorandum of understanding signed by the Imo State Government, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and the NADF would ensure transparency and accountability in the distribution process.
Representing Governor Hope Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor of Imo State, Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru, described the initiative as a major milestone for agricultural development in the South East.
He urged beneficiaries to use fertilizers for agriculture rather than diversion, stressing that the program would improve crop yields, create jobs and strengthen rural livelihoods.
“Today we are planting more than fertilizer; we are planting food security, jobs and a better future for the Southeast,” he said.
Furthermore, AFAN National President Mohammed Magaji commended the Federal Government and NADF for launching the program at the start of the planting season.
He said timely access to quality agricultural inputs would reduce production costs, increase yields and improve the profitability of smallholder farming.
Magaji also praised the adoption of a transparent and data-driven beneficiary selection process, saying it would ensure that support reaches genuine farmers. He also commended the Imo State Government for its investments in agricultural infrastructure, agro-industry development, youth empowerment and rural roads, which he said are vital to strengthening agricultural value chains.
The Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Program is one of the federal government’s flagship agricultural interventions, designed to support smallholder farmers, stimulate local fertilizer production, strengthen rural economies and advance Nigeria’s food security goals.
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