By Nneka ibe
Farmers across Enugu State have received a major boost as Governor Peter Mbah flagged off the distribution of free fertilizers and other agricultural inputs aimed at increasing food production, reducing hunger, and strengthening rural livelihoods.
The initiative, launched at the weekend, will see over 60,000 farmers across the 17 local government areas of the state benefit from the support package. The free distribution covers fertilizers, improved seedlings, herbicides, pesticides, and other essential inputs designed to enhance crop yield and reduce the financial burden on local farmers.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Governor Mbah said the intervention was part of his administration’s comprehensive agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to make Enugu a major food hub in Nigeria. He noted that food security remained a top priority of his government, stressing that agriculture holds the key to tackling poverty and boosting economic growth.
> “We are determined to reposition agriculture in Enugu State as a business that creates jobs, ensures food security, and contributes significantly to our economy. Today’s distribution of fertilizers and other inputs is only one of the many steps we are taking to empower our farmers,” the governor stated.
The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Enugu State chapter, expressed gratitude to the governor, noting that this was the first time in years that such large-scale, direct support had been extended to farmers. He said the intervention would help reduce the rising cost of farm production, which has been worsened by inflation and limited access to credit.
Farmers who benefitted from the inputs distribution lauded the government’s gesture, saying it would enable them to expand their farms and produce more for both local consumption and external markets. Some described the program as “timely,” coming at a period when many farmers were struggling to afford fertilizers and improved seeds.
Agriculture stakeholders in the state further commended the Mbah-led administration for complementing the distribution with the ongoing deployment of hundreds of tractors and mechanization support across communities, a move they say will drastically improve productivity compared to previous years.
The governor assured farmers that his government would continue to provide them with training, extension services, and market linkages, while also investing in agro-industrial processing zones to reduce post-harvest losses.
With this intervention, Enugu joins the growing list of states making deliberate efforts to tackle food insecurity and encourage youth participation in agriculture.
