The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of fertiliser to farmers across the South-East zone under the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP).
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri, Imo State, was described by the state government as a significant step towards supporting farmers and improving food security in the region.
Representing Governor Hope Uzodimma at the event, Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ihuoma Ekomaru described the initiative as “a day of hope for our farmers in the South-East states”.
She said the programme aligned with the governor’s 3R agenda of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery, adding that it was aimed at reviving agricultural activities, strengthening food security and restoring prosperity across communities in the zone.
“Agriculture is the bedrock of our economy. When there is food on our tables, there is peace in our communities,” Ekomaru said.
The deputy governor commended President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government for the intervention, while also thanking Governor Uzodimma for hosting the South-East launch of the initiative.
She urged beneficiaries to use the fertiliser for farming purposes rather than selling it, stressing that the inputs were intended to increase crop production and improve harvests.
Ekomaru also called on implementing partners and members of the distribution committee to ensure that the materials reached genuine farmers at the grassroots through a transparent process.
The deputy governor, on behalf of Governor Uzodimma, formally launched the distribution of fertiliser across four South-East states — Imo, Anambra, Enugu and Ebonyi.
Speaking on the programme, the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Ibrahim, represented by the Fund’s General Manager, Technical Services, Earnest Ihedigbo, said the initiative was designed to address critical gaps in farm inputs, increase agricultural productivity and strengthen farmers’ resilience.
Ihedigbo said 20,160 beneficiaries across the four states would receive fertiliser grants under the scheme.
He added that the intervention was a locally developed initiative aimed at supporting smallholder farmers, encouraging domestic fertiliser production, creating employment opportunities and improving food security.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, represented by his Senior Special Adviser, Ibrahim Tanimu, described the programme as a strategic investment towards achieving food sufficiency.
Tanimu said the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Imo State Government, the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and NADF would promote transparency and accountability in the distribution process.
