FIC Report (Nasarawa State) – The Nasarawa State Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), a collaborative initiative between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has distributed vital agricultural inputs to 282 farmers in five local government areas.
The initiative aims to promote sustainable food production and improve agricultural productivity in the state.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Lafia, Governor Abdullahi Sule expressed his appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda on food security.
He reiterated his administration’s dedication to aligning with federal Government efforts to ensure surplus food production, stating that, such collaborations are critical to achieving food security in the state and across Nigeria.
Mrs. Eunice Adgizi, the State Programme Coordinator of FG/IFAD VCDP, explained that this marks the first phase of the programmes input distribution.
She revealed that farmers received fertilizers such as NPK and Urea, alongside herbicides to manage weeds effectively. High-quality rice seeds were also provided to improve yields.
However, essential farm equipment such as power tillers, knapsack sprayers, irrigation pumps, and rice threshers were distributed to enhance mechanized farming practices.
Tricycles fitted with trailers were given to ease transportation challenges, while solar-powered irrigation pumps and reapers were deployed to facilitate efficient water and crop management.
Adgizi emphasized the programme’s commitment to empowering women through home garden seeds, which support household nutrition and income generation.
She highlighted that the initiative extends beyond input distribution by offering expert guidance and introducing innovative farming practices to boost yields and improve farmer resilience.
The VCDP operates in five local government areas: Karu, Lafia, Doma, Wamba, and Nasarawa, where it continues to provide extension services and technical assistance to farmers.
Adgizi commended Governor Sule for his unwavering support and the prompt payment of the 2024/25 counterpart funding, which has bolstered the programme’s operations.
She affirmed that the initiative will continue to empower farmers and contribute significantly to food security and agricultural development in the state.
Signed
Ari, Liman Aminu.
HOC, FIC, LAFIA.
