The government provides small-scale farmers in Niger with inputs and training, boosting food security in Niger and supporting sustainable agriculture.
The Federal Government has launched a major initiative to distribute agricultural inputs to small-scale farmers in Niger State, aiming to enhance food production and strengthen food security in Niger.
The programme, inaugurated in Minna on Friday, is part of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes national food security.
Dr. Aliyu Abdullahi, Minister of State for Agriculture, led the inauguration. He emphasized that the government has declared food security a national state of emergency.
“We are committed to transforming the agriculture sector so that food is accessible, available, and affordable for all Nigerians,” he stated.
The inputs being distributed to farmers include herbicides, cocoa fertilizer, fungicides, knapsack sprayers, growth enhancers, and tomato seeds.
Additional equipment, such as power tillers and water pumps, will be provided through commodity associations, cooperative groups, farmers with special needs, and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
“The aim is to ensure that every farmer has the tools they need to improve productivity,” Dr. Abdullahi said.
He also highlighted that the ministry has implemented multiple programmes to tackle challenges faced by farmers, all aligned with the presidential priority of food security.
The minister expressed optimism that the initiative would boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security in Niger, and contribute to poverty reduction.
By empowering small-scale farmers and improving access to modern inputs, more Nigerians can secure livelihoods while increasing the nation’s food supply.
Dr. Marcus Olaniyi, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, reinforced the commitment of the Tinubu-led administration.
“We are determined to use all available mechanisms to ensure Nigerians can access food at affordable prices,” he said.
He noted that at least 35 per cent of the inputs are targeted at women farmers, in line with the National Gender Policy on Agriculture.
Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State praised the federal ministry for selecting Niger as the pilot location for the programme.
He said the initiative would provide critical support to small-scale farmers, promoting self-reliance and economic independence.
“This programme aligns with our vision of supporting local farmers and enhancing self-sustenance in our communities,” he said.
Looking ahead, Governor Bago announced plans to launch a pilot scheme for two million women in agriculture by 2026.
Participants will receive livestock—including chickens, goats, and sheep—as well as crops to cultivate.
This strategy is designed to provide women with sustainable income opportunities while directly contributing to food security in Niger.
To illustrate the impact, Fatima Bello, a small-scale tomato farmer from Minna, shared her experience.
“With the seeds and sprayers provided, I can expand my farm and produce more crops this season. It gives me hope for better income and food for my family,” she said.
Highlighting Niger State’s agricultural achievements, Governor Bago noted that the state exported sesame seeds worth 2.2 million dollars in 2025 through the Nigerian Women Police Cooperative in Farming.
Plans are underway to establish sesame processing centres to add value to local produce, increase farmer income, and support the state’s agricultural economy.
To further assist farmers, Niger State intends to revive the Cooperative Bank of Niger State, capitalized with N2 billion.
The bank will operate as a microfinance institution dedicated to agriculture, providing affordable financing and reducing the burden of high interest rates that often hinder farmers’ operations.
Experts emphasize that initiatives like these are crucial for achieving food security in Niger, as small-scale farmers form the backbone of the state’s agricultural output.
Providing access to modern inputs, equipment, and financial support ensures higher productivity and a sustainable agricultural ecosystem.
The initiative also focuses on increasing women’s participation in agriculture.
By dedicating a portion of resources specifically for female farmers, the programme addresses gender disparities and promotes inclusive growth, particularly in rural communities where women play central roles in food production but often lack access to inputs and training.
Analysts further note that food security in Niger is not only about production but also distribution and market access.
By integrating cooperative groups and associations into the programme, the government ensures that farmers have the support network to optimize output and reduce post-harvest losses.
This coordinated approach helps surplus produce reach markets efficiently, improving availability and affordability.
The federal initiative complements broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
By boosting local production, the programme reduces reliance on imported food, stabilizes prices, and creates employment opportunities for youth in farming and agribusiness.
These measures are essential for building a resilient food system capable of withstanding economic and environmental challenges.
The Federal Government’s input distribution programme represents a significant step toward sustainable food security in Niger.
Through strategic allocation of resources, targeted support for women and vulnerable groups, and investments in financial and agricultural infrastructure, the initiative is poised to transform the local agricultural landscape.
By increasing productivity, supporting farmers, and promoting inclusive practices, the government demonstrates that food security in Niger is not only a policy priority but a national imperative.
The programme offers a promising path toward self-sufficiency, stronger rural economies, and a future where communities thrive on the foundation of sustainable agriculture.
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