Farmers under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Program Phase One (ATASP-1) in the Adani-Omor Staple Crops Processing Zone have expressed gratitude to the Federal Government following the approval of a 75% subsidy on agro-inputs. This initiative is part of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme Agro-pocket (NAGS-AP), a component of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Through this subsidy, profiled farmers registered under ATASP-1 received SMS codes (or e-tokens) that allow them to pay between N47,500 and N52,100, depending on their location. They are entitled to receive 50kg each of NPK, Urea, and organic fertilizers, as well as four litres of agro-chemicals and either maize or rice seeds.
During the distribution exercise held at the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project (LAIP) Office in Omor, Anambra State, farmers expressed their appreciation. Mr. Emeka Mmadubuko, a lead farmer from Ifite-Ogwari community, voiced his satisfaction after collecting his inputs. “I am very much happy. In fact, ATASP-1 has done well, and God will continue to bless them. With these inputs, I can apply enough fertilizer to my rice farm, ensuring a better yield and higher profit,” he said.
Cletus Obiora, another farmer who redeemed his inputs at Joe Rich Rice Mill in Omor, described the subsidy as a clear indication of the Federal Government's commitment to supporting farmers and boosting agricultural productivity. Obiora noted that the farmers in Ayamelum Local Government Area are thrilled with both the input subsidies and the resuscitation of the Lower Anambra Irrigation Project, which allows for dry-season farming.
Mrs. Nkemdilim Ugbaji, a rice farmer from Adani in Enugu State, also praised the government for enabling dry-season farming in her area. “Thanks to this input and the irrigation system rehabilitated by ATASP-1, we have moved from seasonal farming to year-round farming,” Ugbaji said after redeeming her inputs for N52,100.
The Chairman of Anambra East Local Government Area, Hon. Ifeanyi Chinweze, commended the Federal Government for easing the burden on local farmers. “Our people are happy that the Federal Government has finally remembered them,” Chinweze said, emphasizing that the subsidy will have a significant impact on the productivity of grassroots farmers.
Dr. Romanus Egba, the Zonal Programme Coordinator for ATASP-1 in the Adani-Omor Zone, expressed his satisfaction with the farmers’ turnout during the redemption exercise in both Enugu and Anambra States. Speaking after an inspection at Amankanu Development Centre in Enugu, Egba remarked, “We are happy with the massive response from our farmers, despite the initial reluctance when the subsidy was at 50%. This time, with our extensive enlightenment efforts, more farmers have come forward.”
He noted that one minor challenge was farmers arriving at the centres without their SMS codes, which are essential for redeeming the inputs. However, after explaining the situation, many farmers understood and returned once their codes were sent.
Igwe Bennett Ikenna, the traditional ruler of Amankanu, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, ATASP-1, and the African Development Bank (AfDB) for their support. The input collection exercise, which began on July 30, 2024, initially faced setbacks due to the 50% subsidy rate, but the subsequent increase to 75% has seen a more enthusiastic response from farmers.
Across the ten redemption centres in Anambra and Enugu States, farmers turned out in large numbers to redeem their inputs, a testament to the positive impact of the subsidy on agricultural productivity in the region.
