In a major step toward reducing poverty and transforming Nigeria’s agricultural sector, the Federal Government has distributed 95 pieces of farm equipment to smallholder farmers, agro-processors and marketers in Nasarawa State.
The intervention was carried out through the Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Beneficiaries of the initiative include persons with disabilities, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive agricultural growth.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, officially flagged off the distribution at the Government House in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
Speaking at the event, Senator Kyari said the programme is designed to improve food and nutrition security, increase rural household incomes and strengthen resilience across the agricultural sector. He noted that the VCDP focuses on reinforcing the entire agricultural value chain — from input supply and production to processing, storage and access to markets.
According to the minister, the initiative is part of a deliberate federal government policy aimed at easing the burden on farmers while stabilising food prices nationwide.
He further explained that the FGN/IFAD-VCDP aligns with the vision of President Bola Tinubu to reduce hardship among Nigerians, particularly farmers at the grassroots, by empowering them with the tools needed to boost productivity and ensure sustainable food production.
The distribution of the equipment is expected to enhance efficiency, increase output and contribute significantly to food sufficiency in Nasarawa State and beyond.
