The International Fund for Agricultural Development (FGN/IFAD)-assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP-AF) has begun distributing farm inputs to 330 farmers in Kogi State, Nigeria, to boost agricultural productivity.
The launch event took place in Lokoja, where the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, was represented by Hajia Mariat Ibrahim, the Ministry’s Director of Administration.
Ojomah praised the VCDP for its significant contributions to the agricultural development and economic growth of Kogi State.
He also commended Governor Ahmed Ododo for his continuous support of farmers through various agricultural initiatives that promote food security.
The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural growth.
Dr. Stella Adejoh, State Coordinator of FGN/IFAD-VCDP, pointed out that the initiative aims to improve productivity and food security in rice and cassava production, covering five local government areas: Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Olamaboro, Kabba-Bunu, and Ibaji.
This current programme phase has supported approximately 5,600 farmers cumulatively across the participating LGAs.
The distribution of farm inputs is designed to be inclusive, targeting women, youths, and vulnerable groups. Farmers are required to contribute 50 per cent of the input costs, while the VCDP covers the remaining half.
Adejoh expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo for his timely payment of counterpart funding and support for the programme, urging farmers to use the inputs wisely and warning against selling them.
Mr. George Ogirima, Managing Director of the Kogi Agricultural Development Programme (ADP), commended the governor’s focus on agricultural policy and the VCDP for their effective project execution.
Beneficiaries, including Mr. Salihu Abdullahi and Mrs. Esther Joseph, expressed their appreciation for the support and pledged to use the inputs to ensure a bountiful harvest this wet season.
The inputs distributed included improved rice seeds, Urea and NPK fertilisers, and various herbicides and insecticides.
