Farmers in Ebonyi State are set to receive a major boost as the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), through its Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), has approved a ₦5.17 billion budget to support agricultural development across the state.
The 2026 Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB), recently endorsed by the programme’s steering committee, will be financed through a multi-stakeholder arrangement involving IFAD, the Ebonyi State Government, and beneficiary farmers. According to the plan, IFAD will contribute about ₦4.122 billion, the state government ₦176.64 million, while participating farmers will provide ₦876.73 million.
Speaking during the budget review in Abakaliki, the State Programme Coordinator, Dr. Sunday Ituma, said the funding aims to scale up agricultural productivity, youth empowerment, and value addition in key commodities such as rice and cassava.
“This intervention is designed to improve rural livelihoods, create jobs for youths, and promote food security in Ebonyi State,” Dr. Ituma stated.
The 2026 plan includes the procurement of modern processing and packaging equipment to enhance efficiency and product quality. Among the listed items are rice haulers, destoners, weighing scales, and bag-stitching machines valued at about ₦150 million. The budget also makes provision for two rice colour sorters worth ₦60 million and specialized equipment for youth-owned enterprises engaged in vitamin A cassava processing such as ovens, extractors, and gas cylinders estimated at ₦22.5 million.
The intervention will be implemented across eight participating local government areas of the state, benefiting thousands of smallholder farmers and agro-entrepreneurs.
Since its inception in 2015, the IFAD–VCDP has invested over ₦17 billion in Ebonyi’s agricultural sector, facilitating access to improved inputs, training, and processing facilities. State officials have praised the programme for transforming rural economies and increasing the income of local farmers.
Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Samuel Okoronkwo, commended IFAD’s continued support, describing the initiative as “a model for sustainable rural development.”
“The state government remains committed to providing the enabling environment and counterpart funding needed to ensure the success of this intervention,” he assured.
With the new ₦5.17 billion budget, Ebonyi farmers are expected to see significant improvements in production, processing, and market access further cementing the state’s status as a major rice and cassava hub in Nigeria. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
