In a significant move to support tomato farmers and strengthen the country’s horticulture value chain, the Federal Government of Nigeria has increased the credit‑risk guarantee (CRG) for tomato crate financing to 75% under the HortiNigeria Programme. The announcement was made during the 47th Regular Meeting of the National Council on Agriculture and Food Security (NCAFS) in Kaduna.
The increase from the previous 50% guarantee is designed to reduce lending risks, encouraging banks and financial institutions to finance crate production and distribution. By improving access to financing, farmers can transport their produce more efficiently, helping to reduce post-harvest losses that have long affected the tomato industry.
As part of the initiative, a ₦500 million intervention fund has been unlocked to support crate manufacturing and distribution across key tomato-producing states, including Kaduna and Kano. The programme is implemented by the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) in partnership with the Nigeria Incentive‑Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) and funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands.
Agricultural stakeholders have welcomed the move, highlighting that it will make financing more accessible, minimize wastage, and stabilize tomato supply in local markets. Experts note that the programme’s success will rely on efficient fund disbursement, timely crate distribution, and effective monitoring of outcomes.
The HortiNigeria initiative is part of broader government efforts to modernize agriculture, support smallholder farmers, and enhance food security across Nigeria. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
