By Terna Chikpa
The Federal Government, through the International Fund for Agricultural Development Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP), on Friday distributed farm inputs worth N373,000 each to 476 farmers for the 2026 wet season farming in Taraba State.
The beneficiaries were drawn from eight local government areas of the state: Ardo-Kola, Bali, Donga, Gassol, Jalingo, Karim Lamido, Takum and Wukari.
The National Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, said the initiative was part of the programme’s continuous efforts to strengthen agricultural production and improve farmers’ livelihoods.
Represented by the National Production Adviser, Alhaji Nura Daura, Dr. Aliyu explained that the intervention was also aimed at contributing to national food security.
She commended the Federal Government, IFAD-VCDP and the Taraba State Government for their sustained support, noting that the provision of critical agricultural inputs had enabled farmers to adopt modern, research-based farming practices.
“This initiative is our continuous effort towards strengthening the production base and enhancing the livelihoods of our hardworking farmers, who are the backbone of our rural economy.
“It is also part of our contribution to national food security. I sincerely extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Federal Government, IFAD-VCDP and the Taraba State Government for their tireless efforts and invaluable support. Their commitment to providing critical agricultural inputs has enabled our farmers to adopt modern, research-based practices, significantly increasing productivity, incomes and improving the livelihoods of our beneficiaries,” she said.
Dr. Aliyu urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the farm inputs to maximise productivity.
She disclosed that under the VCDP Matching Grant Scheme, each of the 476 beneficiaries paid a 50 per cent counterpart contribution of N186,500 and would receive an input package valued at N373,000.
According to her, the package consists of two bags of NPK fertiliser, two bags of urea fertiliser, 50 kilograms of rice seeds, and two litres of herbicides (pre- and post-emergence).
Earlier, the Taraba State Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Nicholas Namessan, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mrs. Serah Ali, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, IFAD-VCDP and the Taraba State Government for their continued support to farmers over the years.
He said the intervention had enabled farmers to adopt proven agricultural technologies, leading to increased rice and cassava production across the state.
According to him, the support has improved farmers’ incomes and living standards while contributing to food security in Taraba State and Nigeria.
The commissioner also emphasised the critical role of agriculture in achieving food security under the administration of Governor Agbu Kefas.
Also speaking, the State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, Mr. Irimiya Musa, represented by Mr. Bulus Maiyaki, urged beneficiaries to utilise the inputs effectively to boost agricultural productivity and enhance food security.
