The distribution of agricultural inputs worth N2.8bn to 14,000 farmers in Anambra and Enugu states has commenced as part of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme, Phase One.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this announcement during the agro-inputs distribution event of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro Pocket in ATASP-1 Adani-Omor Zone in Ikem, Isi-Uzo council area.
Representing Kyari, Dr. Peter Kush, the Director II of the Programme Coordinating Unit in the ministry, mentioned that the farm inputs distributed to ATASP-1 farmers were provided at a subsidized rate.
Due to the off-season status of Adani-Omor zone during the planning phase, the area did not benefit from the subsidized inputs. Hence, the program was implemented in Enugu and Anambra states.
The inputs, initially procured at N5bn, were offered to farmers at the subsidized sum of N2.8bn.
Each participating farmer will receive two bags of inorganic NPK/Urea fertilizer, one bag of organic fertilizer, 10kg of seeds (maize/rice/sorghum), and four liters of agrochemicals delivered through an ICT platform.
The Federal Government’s agricultural policy aims to achieve food sufficiency and overall socio-economic development in the country.
As part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is currently executing the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-Pocket nationwide, providing agro-inputs to farmers during both the dry and rainy seasons.
This milestone reflects the government’s dedication to empowering farmers, increasing agricultural productivity, and ensuring food security.
During the distribution kick-off, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State praised President Tinubu for his visionary agricultural policies.
Representing Mbah, state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Patrick Ubru, emphasized the pivotal role of subsidized inputs in improving agricultural productivity and ensuring food security.
Meanwhile, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Foster Ihejiofor, also endorsed the initiative.
The governor highlighted the tremendous benefits of ATASP-1 to the participating communities in Anambra State, positively impacting education and healthcare.