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  • NADF moves to bridge farm input gaps, targets higher productivity

    NADF moves to bridge farm input gaps, targets higher productivity

    The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has engaged key stakeholders across the agribusiness value chain to review and strengthen modalities for improving agricultural input supply and boosting productivity in Nigeria.

    The engagement took place at the NADF Farm Input Supply Programme roundtable with processors held in Lagos.

    Speaking at the forum, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the Fund remains committed to evidence-based learning and continuous process improvement as it reviews the first phase of the programme.

    Ibrahim, who was represented by the Head of Corporate Services, NADF, Abiodun Sosanya, explained that the pilot intervention was designed to enhance input supply and agricultural productivity across grower systems nationwide.

    He acknowledged that the pilot phase faced challenges that affected planting cycles and expected yields, noting that such difficulties highlighted the complexity of implementing large-scale agricultural interventions.

    “These challenges are real, and they underscore the complexity of implementing agricultural interventions such as the NADF–Farm Inputs Supply Programme,” he said.

    Read Also: NADF signs MoU with Leadway, Verdure climate to boost climate-resilient agric finance

    Despite the setbacks, Ibrahim reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to working closely with processors to improve accountability and strengthen operational efficiency.

    He urged processors to actively engage the Fund to achieve practical outcomes that would support improved input systems, increased productivity and broader national agricultural transformation.

    “As we reflect on the implementation of the first phase of this programme, the NADF remains firmly committed to evidence-based learning and continuous process improvement for optimal efficiency in the delivery of our mandate.

    “The NADF remains optimistic that your insights, experiences and recommendations will play an important role in shaping a more efficient, transparent and climate-responsive second phase of the programme, ensuring better impact and sustainability,” he added.

    Industry players at the roundtable commended the initiative while calling for improvements ahead of the next phase.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Vemac Farms Limited, Oyo State, Femi Ojelade, said food security in Nigeria requires stronger collaboration among processors, smallholder farmers and government agencies. He urged the NADF to ensure timely delivery of inputs ahead of planting seasons.

    “We understand it’s the first phase. But in the second phase, they have to work assiduously to make sure that most processors actually get their inputs at least a month before the planting season,” Ojelade said.

    Similarly, the Managing Director of Arog Bio Allied Agro Services Limited, Aroge Temitope, described the scheme as supportive in ensuring a steady flow of raw materials along the agribusiness value chain.

    “For us, it’s a good project and it’s actually very supportive of food security and wealth creation in rural areas,” he said.

    Temitope noted that the programme came at a critical time for his company, enabling it to access inputs and support for its outgrower base. He disclosed that through the NADF Agro 1.0 scheme, his firm was able to cultivate sufficient cassava for the 2025 and 2026 seasons across Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states.

    On the future direction of the programme, the Head of Strategy and Planning at NADF, Adebanke Fajana, said the Fund aims to reach five million smallholder farmers under its Agro 2.0 scheme.

    According to her, the NADF is leveraging processors within the organised private sector as channels to reach smallholder farmers more effectively.

    Fajana said the Fund is working closely with processors to address challenges and lessons identified during the pilot phase, with a view to improving coordination and implementation in subsequent iterations.

    “We have a very robust system of monitoring and evaluation, with regional and state monitors who have boots on the ground to assess cultivation levels, input usage and adoption of good agronomic practices,” she said.

    She added that the approach ensures not only the provision of inputs, but also their proper utilisation and the adoption of best agronomic practices by end-users, to maximise productivity and impact.

  • NADF moves to fix farm input gaps, targets higher productivity

    NADF moves to fix farm input gaps, targets higher productivity

    The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has engaged key stakeholders across the agribusiness value chain to review and strengthen modalities for improving agricultural input supply and boosting productivity in Nigeria.

    The engagement took place at the NADF Farm Input Supply Programme roundtable with processors held in Lagos.

    Speaking at the forum, the Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the Fund remains committed to evidence-based learning and continuous process improvement as it reviews the first phase of the programme.

    Ibrahim, who was represented by the Head of Corporate Services, NADF, Abiodun Sosanya, explained that the pilot intervention was designed to enhance input supply and agricultural productivity across grower systems nationwide.

    He acknowledged that the pilot phase faced challenges that affected planting cycles and expected yields, noting that such difficulties highlighted the complexity of implementing large-scale agricultural interventions.

    “These challenges are real, and they underscore the complexity of implementing agricultural interventions such as the NADF–Farm Inputs Supply Programme,” he said.

    Despite the setbacks, Ibrahim reaffirmed the Fund’s commitment to working closely with processors to improve accountability and strengthen operational efficiency. 

    He urged processors to actively engage the Fund to achieve practical outcomes that would support improved input systems, increased productivity, and broader national agricultural transformation.

    “As we reflect on the implementation of the first phase of this programme, the NADF remains firmly committed to evidence-based learning and continuous process improvement for optimal efficiency in the delivery of our mandate.

    “The NADF remains optimistic that your insights, experiences, and recommendations will play an important role in shaping a more efficient, transparent, and climate-responsive second phase of the programme, ensuring better impact and sustainability,” he added.

    Industry players at the roundtable commended the initiative while calling for improvements ahead of the next phase.

    The Chief Executive Officer of Vemac Farms Limited, Oyo State, Femi Ojelade, said food security in Nigeria requires stronger collaboration among processors, smallholder farmers, and government agencies. He urged the NADF to ensure the timely delivery of inputs ahead of planting seasons.

    “We understand it’s the first phase. But in the second phase, they have to work assiduously to make sure that most processors actually get their inputs at least a month before the planting season,” Ojelade said.

    Similarly, the Managing Director of Arog Bio Allied Agro Services Limited, Aroge Temitope, described the scheme as supportive in ensuring a steady flow of raw materials along the agribusiness value chain.

    “For us, it’s a good project, and it’s actually very supportive of food security and wealth creation in rural areas,” he said.

    Temitope noted that the programme came at a critical time for his company, enabling it to access inputs and support for its outgrower base. He disclosed that through the NADF Agro 1.0 scheme, his firm was able to cultivate sufficient cassava for the 2025 and 2026 seasons across Ogun, Ondo and Ekiti states.

    On the future direction of the programme, the Head of Strategy and Planning at NADF, Adebanke Fajana, said the Fund aims to reach five million smallholder farmers under its Agro 2.0 scheme.

    According to her, the NADF is leveraging processors within the organised private sector as channels to reach smallholder farmers more effectively.

    Fajana said the Fund is working closely with processors to address challenges and lessons identified during the pilot phase, with a view to improving coordination and implementation in subsequent iterations.

    “We have a very robust system of monitoring and evaluation, with regional and state monitors who have boots on the ground to assess cultivation levels, input usage, and adoption of good agronomic practices,” she said.

    She added that the approach ensures not only the provision of inputs, but also their proper utilisation and the adoption of best agronomic practices by end-users, to maximise productivity and impact.

  • NADF, firms sign MoU on climate-resilient agric finance

    NADF, firms sign MoU on climate-resilient agric finance

    National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Leadway Assurance Company Limited and Verdure Climate to expand innovative agricultural insurance and climate-resilient finance for smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

    The agreement was formalised at the National Dialogue on Innovative Agric Insurance and Climate Finance held in Abuja and will support the implementation of the AGRA-backed initiative, Building Farmers’ Resilience through Innovative Insurance Models and Financial Instruments.

    Speaking at the event, NADF Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, represented by the General Manager, Partnerships and Investor Relations, Mr. Nasir Ingawa, said the partnership closely aligns with the Fund’s mandate to deepen agricultural financing.

     “As we face increasing challenges due to climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and limited access to finance, the role of innovative financial solutions such as index-based agricultural insurance and blended finance has never been more critical,” he said.

    Ibrahim added that the introduction of index-based and pay-at-harvest insurance products would “go a long way in enhancing investor confidence”.

    Under the collaboration, the organisations will work on bundling insurance with agricultural loans, scaling credit-linked insurance for rice, soybeans and maize value chains in priority states, and integrating climate-smart agricultural practices into NADF loan products. The initiative will also introduce digital climate advisory services and build the capacity of business development service providers.

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    Leadway Assurance described the partnership as a significant step toward enhancing climate preparedness within Nigeria’s agricultural sector.

    Head of Agriculture Risk Solutions at the company, Mr. Fatona Ayoola Paul, commended NADF’s leadership, noting that it provides “the policy anchor that initiatives like ours can build upon”.

    The national dialogue brought together financial institutions, government agencies, insurers, anchor companies and farmer organisations to explore strategies for integrating index insurance into agricultural lending and unlocking greater private-sector investment for rural producers.

    The project forms part of AGRA 3.0, which aims to increase access to finance, strengthen market linkages, expand innovative insurance products and improve resilience for thousands of farmers between 2025 and 2027.

  • NADF signs MoU with Leadway, Verdure climate to boost climate-resilient agric finance

    NADF signs MoU with Leadway, Verdure climate to boost climate-resilient agric finance

    The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Leadway Assurance Company Limited and Verdure Climate to expand innovative agricultural insurance and climate-resilient finance for smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

    The agreement was formalised at the National Dialogue on Innovative Agric Insurance and Climate Finance held in Abuja and will support the implementation of the AGRA-backed initiative, Building Farmers’ Resilience through Innovative Insurance Models and Financial Instruments.

    Speaking at the event, NADF Executive Secretary, Mohammed Ibrahim, represented by the General Manager, Partnerships and Investor Relations, Mr. Nasir Ingawa, said the partnership closely aligns with the Fund’s mandate to deepen agricultural financing.

    “As we face increasing challenges due to climate change, unpredictable weather patterns, and limited access to finance, the role of innovative financial solutions such as index-based agricultural insurance and blended finance has never been more critical,” he said. 

    Ibrahim added that the introduction of index-based and pay-at-harvest insurance products would “go a long way in enhancing investor confidence”.

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    Under the collaboration, the organisations will work on bundling insurance with agricultural loans, scaling credit-linked insurance for rice, soybeans and maize value chains in priority states, and integrating climate-smart agricultural practices into NADF loan products. 

    The initiative will also introduce digital climate advisory services and build the capacity of business development service providers.

    Leadway Assurance described the partnership as a significant step toward enhancing climate preparedness within Nigeria’s agricultural sector. 

    Head of Agriculture Risk Solutions at the company, Mr. Fatona Ayoola Paul, commended NADF’s leadership, noting that it provides “the policy anchor that initiatives like ours can build upon”.

    The national dialogue brought together financial institutions, government agencies, insurers, anchor companies and farmer organisations to explore strategies for integrating index insurance into agricultural lending and unlocking greater private-sector investment for rural producers.

    The project forms part of AGRA 3.0, which aims to increase access to finance, strengthen market linkages, expand innovative insurance products and improve resilience for thousands of farmers between 2025 and 2027.

  • NADF, Jigawa partner on agriculture lending de-risking framework

    NADF, Jigawa partner on agriculture lending de-risking framework

    Nigeria’s drive towards food self-sufficiency and inclusive agric growth has got a boost as National Agriculture Development Fund and Jigawa State launched an initiative to design the country’s first sub-national Agriculture Lending De-Risking Framework.

    The two-day co-design workshop: “Jigawa State Agricultural Lending De-Risking Model,” is a milestone in efforts to improve access to finance for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses through innovative state-led risk management mechanisms.

    Mohammed Ibrahim, executive secretary, said the initiative is a bold and practical approach to tackling financial barriers constraining agricultural lending.

    “Barriers to accessing finance cannot be stressed enough. If state-led mechanisms like this are in place, those barriers can be surmounted. National-level financing bodies have done well, but a bottom-up approach will have greater impact,” he said.

    Ibrahim said NADF, set up by Act of Parliament in 2022, bridges national and sub-national agricultural finance ecosystems.

    He noted that the fund will facilitate partnerships and provide technical guidance to ensure success of the Jigawa pilot model.

    “Our role is to bridge finance ecosystems and facilitate engagements for the agriculture sector.’’

     ‘‘This is a bold initiative, and with the technical assistance of Propcom+ (a UKAid-funded programme), we will do our very best to ensure it succeeds,” he explained.

    Representing the state government, Dr. Saifullahi Umar, Director General of the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA), reaffirmed Jigawa’s commitment to agricultural transformation through innovation, private sector inclusion, and strategic collaboration.

    He disclosed that the state has invested nearly $30 million in agriculture over the past two and a half years, covering mechanization, input financing, and rural infrastructure, but stressed that the state’s vast agricultural sector, valued at ₦3.4 trillion, still requires significant private capital.

    “Our mechanization program cost about $17 million, and input financing, especially for rice, was around $7 million. But government alone cannot meet the capital requirements of agriculture. We need to attract private investors and financial institutions into every link of the value chain, from input supply and production to processing, marketing, and distribution,” Umar said.

    With 2.4 million hectares of arable land, 3.6 million cattle, and over 6 million sheep and goats, Jigawa remains one of Nigeria’s leading producers of rice, wheat, and sesame. The state currently produces 2 million metric tons of rice annually and aims to double that figure to 4 million metric tons by 2030.

    “That would not happen without the right financing. We must create an enabling environment and mechanisms that attract private sector investment and ensure sustainable financing for farmers,” Umar added.

    Naona Usoroh, NADF’s Head of International Partnerships, said the framework is being developed with technical support from Propcom+, ensuring alignment with national agricultural policies, global best practices, and climate-smart principles.

    “Our mission is to be Nigeria’s leading catalytic institution driving inclusive, resilient, and commercially viable agriculture. Through this initiative, NADF will help states like Jigawa develop de-risking models that ensure not only affordable but also sustainable financing for smallholder farmers,” she stated.

    Usoroh added that the model focuses on four key pillars  framework development, financial innovation, policy alignment, and institutional capacity building designed to enhance transparency and attract private capital.

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    “We want to move away from one-off project financing to systems that sustain themselves. The idea is to create a catalytic effect that multiplies investment and ensures continuous access to affordable finance,” she said.

    The workshop also underscored Jigawa’s readiness to pilot the initiative, anchored on ongoing policy reforms under Governor Umar Namadi’s administration. Recent legislation, including the Ministry of Livestock Development Law and the Jigawa Agricultural Transformation Service (JATS) Law, has strengthened institutional structures to industrialize agriculture, formalize livestock value chains, and promote climate-resilient practices.

    The Jigawa State Agricultural Policy (2024–2030) envisions transforming the state into West Africa’s leading hub for agricultural production and processing, with a focus on food security, youth and women empowerment, and private sector collaboration.

    Under these reforms, the state has constructed over 800 kilometers of rural roads, empowered 300,000 women and youth, and earned national recognition for agricultural innovation and productivity.

    Dr. Olumide Ojo, Strategy Director at Propcom+, described the initiative as a crucial step in promoting inclusive finance and climate resilience.

    He said the programme’s access-to-finance strategy focuses on business readiness, capacity building, and innovative product design for underserved farmers.

    If successful, the framework could serve as a national model for other states, accelerating Nigeria’s agricultural transformation and strengthening food security across the country.

  • NADF calls for private sector investment to drive food system transformation 

    NADF calls for private sector investment to drive food system transformation 

    The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed A. Ibrahim, has called for private sector to strengthen Nigeria’s food system transformation.

    According to him,  Nigeria used the just-concluded Africa Food Systems Summit deal room to demonstrate its readiness to collaborate with private investors and financiers in strengthening agricultural value chains.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the summit, Ibrahim explained that the forum validated the need for regional approaches, shared solutions, and cross-country learning to address food system challenges across Africa.

    “The crux of the matter was, how do we sit down as bodies that could drive investment into the sector? We found that across Africa, there are common problems and common solutions. What this summit has done is to validate the need for regional approaches, shared learnings, and the creation of similar projects across ecosystems,” he said.

    Beyond showcasing Nigeria’s legacy project, agencies such as NADF and the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), alongside international financiers, presented ongoing interventions aimed at reducing post-harvest losses and improving resilience.

    Ibrahim stressed that governments alone cannot sustain agricultural transformation, underscoring the need for private capital.

     “Funding goes where it would come out. Our role is to create the enabling environment where private capital can flow into agriculture. That is why we provide not just finance but also technical support, feasibility studies, and commercial research to de-risk the sector,” he noted.

    According to him, NADF’s mandate includes blended finance, concessionary loans, guarantees, and technical assistance grants targeted at agricultural value chains. The Fund has also invested in research, feasibility studies, and needs assessments of agricultural institutes to ensure sustainability.

    He highlighted NADF’s flagship Agro Project, which supports agro processors with subsidised financing to strengthen linkages between farmers and factories. So far, about 40 agro processors with proven backward integration models have been pre-qualified to receive subsidized inputs across rice, maize, soya beans, and cassava value chains.

    “Agro processors are critical players in Nigeria’s food system, as they drive value addition and stabilize prices. But poor supply chain structures have forced many to turn to farming themselves. Our intervention seeks to reverse this trend by ensuring consistent farmer–factory linkages,” Ibrahim explained.

    He further stated that the NADF plans to scale up dry season farming across several states through blended finance products, robust monitoring and evaluation, and partnerships with River Basin Development Authorities to expand irrigation.

    “Dry season farming has proven to be more productive due to better control of water and land. Beyond financing, we are investing in holistic mechanization  across crops, livestock, forestry, and fisheries supported by modern tools, data-driven monitoring, and improved water management,” he said.

    At the continental level, Ibrahim noted that the Africa Food Systems Summit emphasised the shared challenges of underinvestment, climate change, and post-harvest losses. 

    The forum, he added, has created a platform for continuous collaboration among governments, financiers, and development partners.

    “The message is clear: governments cannot do it alone. What we are working towards is sustained private sector participation in Africa’s agricultural transformation,” he added.

  • NADF, NASC partner on six priority crops

    NADF, NASC partner on six priority crops

    The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has collaborated with the National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC) to enhance food security in Nigeria through the development of six priority crops: maize, rice, cowpeas, cassava, millet, and oil palm.

    This initiative is aimed at addressing food security challenges across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

    The partnership was unveiled during a two-day workshop on “Enhancing Seed Systems for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security in Nigeria,” jointly organised by NADF and NASC.

    In his remarks, Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, emphasised the critical role of modern seed technology in combating the existential threats posed by climate change.

    The Minister highlighted the significance of innovation and collaboration in strengthening Nigeria’s seed sector, addressing challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, poor distribution systems, and mistrust in the quality of improved seeds.

    “We are witnessing the clear and present existential threats of climate change and its impact on our local food systems,” the Minister said.

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    “Integrating modern seed technology is inevitable to ensure sustainability and food security. The initiative aligns with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu”.

    The Executive Secretary of NADF, Mohammed  Ibrahim, outlined the strategic importance of the six priority crops in different regions, emphasising the Fund’s commitment to transforming Nigeria’s seed system.

    “Through the Seed Systems Enhancement Programme, we aim to provide financial support for agricultural research institutes to develop and scale breeder seeds for priority crops,” he stated.

    Ibrahim also reaffirmed NADF’s commitment to funding seed companies to enhance the production and distribution of improved seed varieties.

    The Acting Director-General of NASC, Dr. Ishiak Khalid, called on the private sector to strengthen its role in the seed ecosystem.

     “The private sector needs to be more organized to give life to these policies and avoid actions that could undermine the system,” he said.

  • NADF, Heifer international plan to deploy 10,000 tractors in five years

    NADF, Heifer international plan to deploy 10,000 tractors in five years

    The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) and Heifer International Nigeria have announced plans to deploy 10,000 John Deere tractors across Nigeria over the next five years. 

    This initiative was unveiled during a Stakeholders’ Mechanization Workshop held in Abuja, aimed at tackling Nigeria’s severe mechanization deficit in agriculture.

    At the event, NADF Executive Secretary Mohammed Abu Ibrahim emphasised the need to address Nigeria’s low mechanization rates, which have hampered agricultural productivity. 

    Ibrahim highlighted the importance of stakeholder engagement in shaping the program, calling for shared experiences and solutions to tailor the initiative to Nigeria’s unique challenges. 

    He also noted that this effort is one of five mechanization programs under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, designed to modernize agriculture, generate employment, and drive economic growth.

    “Mechanisation in Nigeria is a significant challenge. Our low tractor density directly impacts farmers’ yields and broader economic development. This program, beginning with a pilot phase of 2,000 tractors, aims to create a sustainable and inclusive framework for implementation.”

    The Country Director of Heifer International Nigeria, Dr. Lekan Tobe, underscored the importance of collaboration in achieving the program’s goals. 

    “Tractors are often overlooked as agricultural technology, but they are essential for improving productivity,” he said. 

    He added that the initiative is expected to generate jobs, training opportunities, and maintenance support beyond tractor deployment.

    The pilot phase of the program, set to deliver 2,000 tractors within six months, will lay the groundwork for scaling up to 10,000 tractors over five years. 

    Current statistics show Nigeria’s tractor density at just 0.27 tractors per 1,000 hectares, far below the FAO’s recommended 1.5 tractors per 1,000 hectares.

  • NADF advocates for Agri-Tech skills to boost agriculture, create employment

    NADF advocates for Agri-Tech skills to boost agriculture, create employment

    The Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), Mohammed Ibrahim, has called for a stronger focus on skills acquisition in the Agri-Tech sector to enhance agriculture and create employment opportunities for youth in Nigeria.

    Speaking at a stakeholders’ roundtable on Nigerian Youth Development, organized by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation in Abuja, Ibrahim emphasised the importance of combining agricultural knowledge with emerging technologies to equip the nation’s youth for the future workforce and address food security challenges.

    Ibrahim highlighted the vast opportunities available to Nigerian youth in agriculture, particularly in the growing Agri-Tech sector—an area where technology and agriculture intersect. He pointed out that while technological advancements in agriculture are rapidly evolving, the sector has not fully leveraged these innovations.

    “The major opportunity for the youth within the agricultural setting lies within the nexus of technology and agriculture, often referred to as Agri-Tech,” Ibrahim stated. “While technology continues to advance rapidly, Agri-Tech is yet to be fully explored and maximized.”

    Drawing from his own experience in the sector, the NADF Executive Secretary shared insights from his involvement in founding two successful Agri-Tech companies. He explained that the NADF is working to bridge the gap by developing frameworks for agricultural skills training that align with global standards.

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    Part of this effort involves a partnership between NADF and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to implement a National Agricultural Technical, Vocational, and Educational Training Programme. This initiative is designed to address the skills gap in the agricultural sector, focusing on critical areas such as soil science, veterinary medicine, and digital mapping—skills essential for modern farming.

    “The NADF is working closely with various stakeholders, including the NBTE, to implement a more robust training program that will equip youth with the right skills,” Ibrahim said.

    Additionally, Ibrahim announced that the NADF will roll out a pilot scheme across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This initiative will span six days and focus on agricultural skills tailored to each region’s specific agroecological needs.

    Acknowledging the significant financial barriers many young Nigerians face when entering agriculture, Ibrahim highlighted the importance of NADF’s efforts to balance commercial and social funding models.

    “This approach aims to ease the financial burden on smallholder farmers and youth entrepreneurs, ultimately fostering sustainable agricultural growth and job creation.”

  • NADF screens 5,000 Kaduna ginger farmers for crop rotation

    NADF screens 5,000 Kaduna ginger farmers for crop rotation

    As part of efforts to rejuvenate ginger farmers after the devastating effect of the 2023 Blight epidemic, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has concluded plans to support 5,000 ginger farmers in Kaduna state with free farming inputs.

    The Ginger Recovery, Advancement and Transformation for Economy Empowerment (GRATE) is a Federal Government initiative, which was part of the Ginger Blight Task Force of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security under NADF that commenced a stakeholders engagement and screening exercise in seven Councils across Kaduna State for three days.

    Speaking at the stakeholders engagement and inputs disbursement to affected ginger farmers, Samuel Aende, a representative of NADF, said the GRATE team is engaging and screening ginger farmer in Kachia, Jaba, Kagarko, Zangon Kataf, Kaura, Jema’a and Sanga Local Government Areas.

    According to him: “After the stakeholders engagement and screening of farmers across the 7 LGAs, each farmer is expected to receive; Four bags 50kg of NPK 20.10.10 fertilizer, 2 bags of 50kg of Urea fertilizer, one bag of 25kg bag of Maize and Sorghum hybrid seeds and per hectare dosage of Herbicides and crop protection products including Fungicide, Insecticide for crop rotation.”

    He said the aim of rejuvenating Ginger farming after the devastating effect of the Blight epidemic in 2023 affects Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa States, and the FCT with substantial funding for improved and better Ginger yield.

    David Jonathan from Kaduna Agricultural Development Agency (KADA) noted that the ginger support program launched by NADF, in partnership with our agency, KADA aims to bolster the ginger value chains and improve the livelihoods of our ginger producers. KADA is proud to be a part of this effort, as it aligns perfectly with our core mission of empowering rural agricultural communities.

    While stating that KADA’s unwavering commitment to work closely with NADF to ensure the success and sustainability of the initiative, Jonathan recalled that Governor Uba Sani recently flagged off support initiative for smallholder farmers, facilitated by the Federal Government through the National Agricultural Development Fund NADF and in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government through KADA.

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    Also speaking to journalists, the president of National Ginger Farmers Association, Nuhu Dauda thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his quick intervention to rescue ginger farmers who lost their crops to epidemic in year 2023. According to him, “should by mistake this ginger pandemic erupted and Tinubu was not the president, we would have been in a serious trouble.”

    The Representative of Kachia council chairman, Victoria Saidu who doubled as the director of forestry also said they are working round the clock In partnership with the state government and NADF to ensure a good yield from growth and harvest of ginger.

    She urged the participants and beneficiaries to make “judicious use of the information and inputs disbursed to them, so that they can make profits.”