FIC Report (Imo State) – The Federal Government has launched the South-East phase of the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP) with the distribution of 80,640 bags of fertiliser to 20,160 registered smallholder farmers across Imo, Enugu, Anambra and Ebonyi States.
The intervention, implemented by the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), was flagged off at the Ndubuisi Kanu (Heroes) Square, Owerri, as part of the Federal Government’s commitment to boosting food production, supporting smallholder farmers and strengthening national food security ahead of the 2026 wet farming season.
Speaking at the launch, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, represented by the Fund’s General Manager, Technical Services, Mr. Ernest Ihedigbo, said the programme was designed to bridge critical farm input gaps, improve agricultural productivity and build the resilience of smallholder farmers.
He disclosed that each of the 20,160 registered beneficiaries across the four participating states would receive fertiliser grants under the scheme, adding that the initiative also supports indigenous fertiliser manufacturers, strengthens agricultural value chains and promotes rural economic development.
Mr. Ibrahim explained that the programme is anchored on three strategic objectives: stabilising food prices through targeted input support, increasing agricultural productivity by closing farm input gaps, and strengthening value chain linkages to accelerate agro-economic growth. He reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to collaborating 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, the Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, Mr. Ibrahim Tanimu, described the programme as a strategic investment in Nigeria’s drive towards food self-sufficiency. He noted that the intervention reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to lowering production costs and increasing crop yields through direct support to farmers.
Mr. Tanimu added that the Memorandum of Understanding signed by the Imo State Government, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and the National Agricultural Development Fund would guarantee transparency and accountability in the distribution of the fertilisers.
Representing the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Chinyere Ekomaru, described the initiative as a major milestone in agricultural development across the South-East. She urged beneficiaries to utilise the fertilisers strictly for farming activities, noting that the programme would enhance food production, create employment opportunities and improve rural livelihoods.
Also speaking, the National President of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Mohammed Magaji, commended the Federal Government and the National Agricultural Development Fund for implementing the programme at the commencement of the planting season. He observed that timely access to quality farm inputs would reduce production costs, improve crop yields and enhance the profitability of smallholder farming.
Mr. Magaji also applauded the transparent, data-driven beneficiary selection process adopted for the programme, noting that it would ensure that support reaches genuine farmers. He further commended the Imo State Government for its investments in agricultural infrastructure, agribusiness development, youth empowerment and rural road construction.
The Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme is one of the Federal Government’s flagship agricultural interventions aimed at supporting smallholder farmers, stimulating local fertiliser production, strengthening rural economies and advancing Nigeria’s food security agenda.
CHIKA ANURUNWA
PIPRO/ANIPR
8/7/ 2026
