The National Sugar Development Council (NSDC) has launched the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP), a nationwide initiative designed to scale up local sugarcane cultivation and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported sugar.
The programme, described as a flagship component of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan II (NSMP II), helps to boost domestic production while creating new income streams for farmers, agribusinesses, and rural communities.
Announcing the initiative, the Executive Secretary/CEO of NSDC, Kamar Bakrin, said the scheme represents a major step toward achieving self-sufficiency in sugar production. He noted that the programme will stimulate inclusive growth by integrating outgrower farmers into the country’s sugar value chain.
“The SODP is designed to boost local sugarcane cultivation, reduce Nigeria’s dependence on sugar imports, and create opportunities for inclusive economic growth,” Bakrin said.
“This programme will complement the output of large-scale sugar estates and help close the national supply gap.”
Bakrin added that this is the first time a structured framework has been created to formally integrate farmers at all levels, smallholders, cooperatives, and commercial-scale operators, into the national sugar sector.
He explained that participating farmers would benefit from guaranteed offtake agreements, access to high-quality seedcane and farm inputs, technical support, and structured training programmes.
The scheme also promotes sustainable land and water use aimed at improving productivity and environmental management.
Providing further details, Lade Offurum, head of Out-Grower Management at NSDC, said the programme would engage three categories of farmers nationwide: Commercial and large agribusinesses with 50 to over 500 hectares, Farming cooperatives cultivating between 30 and 50 hectares, Individual farmers or groups of friends farming clusters of 30 hectares and above
Offurum stressed that the programme encourages inclusiveness by providing equal access to funding, farm inputs, and technical support, regardless of the size of the farm operation.
“The SODP is an important opportunity for farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses to become part of the national sugar production drive,” she said.
“Every participant, big or small, has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.”
Interested farmers can apply through NSDC’s email, website, and phone channels. Applications close on 21 November 2025.
Source: Leadership News
Image Credit: Punch News
