The National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA), an agency under the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, has distributed agricultural inputs to farmers in Abia, Kebbi, and Yobe States. This initiative aims to enhance crop cultivation, increase yields, and ultimately bolster domestic food production in the face of global resource constraints and potential food shortages.
The distributed inputs, including high-grade fertilizers, herbicides, and improved seeds, are intended to empower recipient farmers to maximize their agricultural productivity. In Abia and Yobe States, farmers received improved maize seeds, while Kebbi State received improved rice seeds.
“NALDA is committed to supporting our farmers and ensuring Nigerians have access to affordable, domestically produced food,” stated NALDA Executive Secretary Paul Ikonne during a distribution ceremony in Abia State. “This programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s directive to prioritise food security and empower our agricultural sector.”
Ikonne emphasised the programme’s significance in a local dialect, underscoring the government’s dedication to reducing food prices and fostering self-sufficiency. NALDA intends to cultivate over 340 hectares of farmland through this initiative. The agency will maintain a database of beneficiaries for continued support and program expansion.
The distribution process unfolded across all three states. NALDA officials, led by Ikonne himself, distributed inputs to beneficiaries in Abia. In Kebbi, NALDA’s state administrator, Bashar Bunza, oversaw the distribution, with local government officials like Chairman Manir Abubakar expressing appreciation for NALDA’s efforts. The NALDA team, led by Director of Finance Suleiman Lawal, distributed the inputs in Yobe, with beneficiaries drawn from six local government areas. NALDA personnel also provided beneficiaries with guidance on the proper application of the inputs to ensure optimal yields.
This programme exemplifies NALDA’s commitment to fulfilling President Tinubu’s pledge to ensure food security and affordability for all Nigerians. It serves as a crucial step towards mitigating the challenges of rising food costs and complements the President’s broader food security initiatives.