By Abdullahi Lukman
The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has begun the distribution of emergency agricultural inputs to 2,000 onion farmers affected by flooding in Borno, Yobe, Sokoto and Kebbi states, as part of efforts to restore production and protect livelihoods.
The exercise, carried out simultaneously across the four states, is aimed at easing the impact of recent flood disasters on vulnerable farming communities and supporting the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Each beneficiary received four 50kg bags of 15-15 NPK fertiliser, onion seeds, as well as insecticides and herbicides.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Maiduguri, NADF Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, Mohammed Ibrahim, said the intervention was designed to reduce post-harvest losses and strengthen Nigeria’s food system. He described post-harvest losses as a major challenge to agricultural productivity and farmers’ incomes nationwide.
Represented by the Lead, Public Partnerships, Shettima Gambo Lawan, Ibrahim said the programme marked the first phase of a broader initiative to support farmers affected by flooding and other climate-related shocks.
He noted that onion production plays a strategic role in livelihoods, nutrition and rural economic development.
According to NADF, the intervention was developed in collaboration with state governments and other stakeholders to help farmers return to their fields quickly, rebuild resilience and stabilise the onion value chain.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Bawu Musami Alhaji, commended the federal government and NADF for what he described as a timely lifeline for smallholder farmers.
He said at least 450 onion farmers in Borno would benefit, with the remaining 1,550 beneficiaries drawn from Yobe, Sokoto and Kebbi states.
Governors of the affected states have pledged continued collaboration with the federal government and agricultural stakeholders to strengthen value chains, promote economic growth, create jobs and reduce poverty.