The Federal Government has distributed a range of farm inputs to smallholder farmers in Ebonyi State as part of efforts to boost food production and strengthen national food security. The exercise, held in Abakaliki, aligns with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the state of emergency declared on food security in July 2023.
The inputs, including herbicides, fertilisers, plastic crates, knapsack sprayers, FARO 44 rice seeds, electronic weighing scales, and water pumps, were distributed through commodity associations, cooperative groups, organisations for farmers with special needs, and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
The Agriculture Ministry emphasised that the initiative demonstrates the administration’s strong political will to reposition the agricultural sector by empowering real farmers with essential resources. It also reinforces the government’s commitment to improving rural productivity, reducing poverty, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goal on Zero Hunger.
Officials in Ebonyi said the inputs would be distributed through registered cooperative societies to ensure they reach genuine farmers. They urged citizens to approach agriculture as a serious business to make food available, affordable, and even surplus for export.
Stakeholders at the event praised both federal and state governments for taking the intervention to the grassroots. They noted that government support had helped stabilise food prices, with rice now selling for about N18,000 to N20,000 per bushel, and staples such as garri and rice becoming more affordable in local markets.
Farmers’ groups also highlighted that the support would enable year-round farming, particularly for the dry season, further strengthening food availability in the state and beyond.
The initiative is part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to address the ongoing food crisis, scale up agricultural production, and achieve food sufficiency across Nigeria.
