Farmers in Enugu State have commended the Federal Government for the distribution of agro-inputs and modern equipment aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and food security in the region.

Through the International Fund for Agricultural Development–Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) and other federal initiatives, over ₦400 million worth of inputs and machines were handed over to rural farmers across Enugu. Beneficiaries received tricycles, rice parboilers, destoners, cassava processing machines, seed planters, solar dryers, knapsack sprayers, weighing scales, and water pumps, among others.

The initiative directly reached 458 farmers in Aninri, Enugu East, Nkanu East, Isi Uzo, and Udenu Local Government Areas. Officials explained that the items will ease production, transportation, processing, and marketing of farm produce, while raising incomes for smallholder farmers.

In addition, the Federal Government approved a 75% subsidy on critical agro-inputs such as fertilisers, improved seeds, and agrochemicals under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda Support Programme (ATASP-1) and the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP). Farmers say this has provided much-needed relief amid rising costs of farm supplies.

The Enugu State Government is also complementing these efforts, flagging off the distribution of fertilisers and inputs to over 60,000 farmers and rolling out programmes for mechanisation, farm estate development, and improved agricultural institutions.

Speaking at the distribution exercise, many farmers expressed gratitude, noting that access to modern equipment and subsidised inputs would boost yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance food availability.

They urged the government to sustain the support to ensure lasting impact on rural livelihoods and national food security.