No fewer than 200 farmers in Akwa Ibom State have benefited from the Arise Grant, a state government intervention aimed at strengthening food production and supporting small-scale farmers ahead of the 2026 planting season.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor, disclosed this on Tuesday during an interactive session with farmers in Uyo, where discussions focused on planning for the next planting cycle and improving yields across key commodities.
Offor said the engagement was part of efforts to reposition agriculture as a viable economic activity for households, youths and small agribusiness operators in the state. He explained that the Arise Grant, introduced under the administration of Governor Umo Eno, provides grants of up to N500,000 to home-based farmers, young people, schools and fish farmers to stimulate local food production and improve food security.
According to him, the initiative aligns with the broader ARISE Agenda of the state government, which places agriculture at the centre of economic inclusion, job creation and sustainable development. He noted that beyond increasing output, the grant is designed to encourage household-level farming, generate income and strengthen local food systems, particularly for small producers who form the backbone of the state’s agricultural economy.
The commissioner urged farmers to deepen collaboration by forming cooperative societies, saying unity would improve access to support, enhance productivity and help farmers thrive in an increasingly competitive sector.
Speaking on behalf of farmers, the Akwa Ibom Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr Bassey Inwang, said the meeting brought together leaders of various commodity groups under the association to review the 2025 farming season and prepare strategically for 2026.
Inwang said the session provided an opportunity for farmers to assess challenges facing the sector, review progress made in the past year and collectively plan for improved performance in the coming planting season. He expressed appreciation to the state government for its continued support, particularly in the provision of improved seedlings and agricultural inputs in 2025, which he said contributed to better outcomes for farmers across the state.
He added that sustained government support and effective planning would be critical to ensuring food availability, stabilising prices and strengthening the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Akwa Ibom.
