The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Lagos State Chapter, has commended the Federal Government’s decision to distribute free fertilisers to farmers across the country describing the intervention as a welcome relief amid rising production costs and economic challenges facing the agricultural sector.
The Acting Chairman of AFAN in Lagos State, Sakin Agbayewa, said the initiative would provide critical support to farmers and help boost food production by reducing the financial burden associated with crop cultivation.
Speaking on the programme, Agbayewa explained that the fertiliser distribution is being implemented through the Nigeria Agricultural Development Fund and currently covers 26 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
According to him, each participating state is expected to have approximately 3,040 farmers benefit from the intervention, with every beneficiary receiving four bags of fertiliser to support farming activities during the cropping season.
He noted that the increasing cost of agricultural inputs has placed enormous pressure on farmers in recent years making government intervention necessary to sustain production and ensure food availability.
Agbayewa described the initiative as a strategic step towards enhancing productivity, lowering production costs, and improving the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
He expressed optimism that the fertiliser support would encourage more farmers to cultivate larger areas of land leading to increased yields and contributing to national food security.
The AFAN leader also urged the authorities overseeing the programme to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution process so that the fertilisers reach genuine farmers who need them most.
He further called for sustained support in other areas, including access to improved seeds, mechanisation, affordable credit facilities, irrigation infrastructure and extension services to enable farmers maximise their productivity.
According to Agbayewa, consistent government support remains essential to achieving food sufficiency, reducing dependence on food imports, and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural value chains.
The Federal Government’s fertiliser intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to support farmers, address high input costs, and increase agricultural production in line with the country’s food security agenda.
