The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a strategic initiative to provide highly subsidized agricultural inputs to more than 60,000 farmers across the country.
This ambitious plan falls under the framework of the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One (ATASP-1), aimed at enhancing food production and realizing the administration’s commitment to achieving food and nutrition security.
Dr. Ernest Afolabi Umakhihe, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), disclosed the plan during the flag-off ceremony of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agropocket (NAGS-AP) in Kano State.
He was represented at the event by Mr. Bukar Musa, the Director of the Projects Coordination Unit Department (PCU).
Umakhihe emphasized that ATASP-1 not only seeks to stimulate agricultural productivity but also aims to attract private sector investments, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance the value of local agricultural products. The initiative will play a pivotal role in supporting smallholder farmers across the North Western States by distributing subsidized farm inputs.
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Highlighting the financial arrangement, Umakhihe outlined that the Federal Government is committed to funding 80% of the total input package cost. Each participating farmer is expected to contribute the remaining 20% for the redemption of their inputs at designated redemption centers.
Notably, the introduction of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform has been approved to improve transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the delivery process.
“Through the use of ICT platform for delivery of the inputs to farmers, we are making this year’s program very notable,” Umakhihe stated.
He further mentioned that farmers have been acquainted with the ICT platform, helpline staff have been trained to support the system, and supervisors overseeing the inputs’ distribution at redemption centers have been appointed and engaged.
The launch of this highly subsidized input program signifies the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the agricultural sector and uplifting the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
By ensuring access to quality inputs and promoting modern technological solutions, this initiative contributes to the broader goal of enhancing food security, increasing agricultural productivity, and driving economic growth in Nigeria
