Federal Government Launches Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme for Smallholder Farmers
The Federal Government has officially flagged off the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme, a major agricultural intervention designed to strengthen food security, increase crop yields, and enhance the productivity of smallholder farmers across Nigeria.
The programme was launched by Vice President Kashim Shettima and forms part of the agricultural component of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The Vice President was represented at the event by the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi.
Implemented through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the initiative aims to support 50,000 smallholder farmers nationwide by providing subsidised agricultural inputs ahead of the farming season.
According to officials, the programme will provide farmers with a 75 per cent subsidy on fertiliser, targeting the cultivation of key staple crops including maize, rice, cassava, and soybeans, which play critical roles in Nigeria’s food supply chain.
A central component of the initiative is the distribution of subsidised NPK fertiliser that is locally produced, traceable, and clearly labelled “Not For Sale” to discourage diversion and ensure the products reach intended beneficiaries.
Speaking during the launch, the Vice President, through his representative, said the programme reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to addressing food insecurity while empowering farmers to increase production and improve their livelihoods.
He noted that the initiative prioritises the timely delivery of appropriate farm inputs, stronger collaboration with state governments, and integration with broader agricultural value-chain development strategies.
Under the programme, each geopolitical zone is expected to benefit 20,160 smallholder farmers, with a total of 80,640 bags of fertiliser earmarked for distribution. Each beneficiary farmer will receive four bags of fertiliser to support cultivation activities during the current farming season.
Officials explained that the programme is designed not only to boost agricultural productivity but also to contribute to economic growth by reducing production costs for farmers and improving food availability across the country.
The initiative has also attracted support from indigenous fertiliser manufacturers, agro-processors, marketers, and other stakeholders within the agricultural sector, highlighting a collaborative approach to strengthening Nigeria’s food production system.
Agricultural experts have long advocated increased support for smallholder farmers, who account for a significant proportion of Nigeria’s food production but often face challenges related to access to quality inputs, financing, and modern farming technologies.
The Federal Government believes that targeted interventions such as the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme will help improve yields, enhance food affordability, and strengthen national food security amid growing demand for agricultural products.
As distribution begins across the country, stakeholders are expected to monitor implementation closely to ensure transparency, accountability, and effective delivery of inputs to intended beneficiaries.
The programme represents one of the latest efforts by the Federal Government to revitalise the agricultural sector and position farming as a key driver of economic development, job creation, and food self-sufficiency in Nigeria.
