Farmers to benefit from cheaper inputs and modern equipment under VCDP initiative.
The Federal Government is taking bold steps to reduce the cost of farm inputs and ease the burden on farmers nationwide, Agriculture Minister Sen. Abubakar Kyari said on Wednesday in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the flag-off of the FG/IFAD Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) distribution, Kyari said the initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s vision to support farmers and strengthen food security.
“We’ve stabilised food prices, but farmers face high input costs. We are committed to bringing them down, with support from state governments,” he said.
The VCDP, initially targeting 135,000 farmers, has reached 150,000 beneficiaries so far, providing farm inputs and agro-equipment, including tricycles, rice mills, steam parboilers, weighing scales, de-stoners, and more.
Governor Abdullahi Sule praised the programme, noting Nasarawa ranks number one in collaboration and funding under VCDP. He urged a focus on the entire agricultural value chain to boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure long-term sustainability.
Dr. Fatima Aliyu, VCDP National Coordinator, said the programme has transformed smallholder farmers into employers, impacting over 132,000 farmers and processors across nine states, while promoting gender-inclusive agriculture. She called for the VCDP to be upgraded to a full-fledged agency.
Kyari and Sule also commissioned two rice processing centres in Kwanka and Ashangwa communities, enhancing local value addition. Beneficiaries praised the initiative for improving livelihoods and income.
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