63,000 REGISTERED FARMERS TO BENEFIT FROM ENUGU GOVT’S 2026 FREE AGRICULTURAL INPUT DISTRIBUTION PROGRAMME
The Enugu State Government has flagged off the 2026 Free Agricultural Input Distribution Programme, aimed at boosting food production and supporting farmers across the state’s 260 political wards.
The initiative, which is the third of its kind under Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, will see over 63,000 registered farmers receive improved seedlings, fertilizers, chemicals, and other agricultural inputs free of charge.
The atmosphere at the flag-off ceremony was filled with excitement as government officials, traditional rulers, farmer groups, and stakeholders in the agriculture sector gathered to witness the distribution of agric inputs to practicing farmers.
Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area and host local government for the flag off, Ibenaku Onoh, commended Governor Peter Mbah for his commitment to the development of agriculture in the state.
The Chairman of the Agricultural Input Distribution Committee, Romanus Egba, disclosed that over 63,000 registered farmers across the state will benefit from the programme.
The inputs he said include improved cassava stems, vegetable seedlings including tomatoes and peppers, as well as organic fertilizers designed to promote sustainable farming practices.
Speaking on behalf of farmers in the state, Emmanuel Eneh expressed appreciation to Governor Peter Mbah for prioritizing the welfare of farmers.
Eneh urged beneficiaries to make proper use of the inputs and avoid selling them, stressing that the programme was designed to improve food production and the livelihood of farmers.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialization, Dr. Patrick Ubru, described the programme as a key component of Governor Mbah’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The Commissioner disclosed that more than 84,000 farmers have been digitally profiled, with over 48,000 already integrated into the state’s Geographic Information System for proper planning, support services, and access to agricultural interventions.
Flagging off the distribution, Governor Peter stated that agriculture is projected to contribute significantly to the state’s Gross Domestic Product prompting the investments in farm estates, mechanization, irrigation, and free input distribution.
He encouraged young people to embrace agriculture, describing the sector as a modern and profitable enterprise capable of creating jobs and wealth.
Stakeholders at the event described the programme as another significant step towards achieving food sufficiency and positioning Enugu as a leading agricultural and agro-industrial hub in Nigeria.
The initiative aligns with the administration’s vision of building a modern agricultural economy driven by innovation, technology, mechanization, strategic partnerships, and sustainable farming practices.
CHINEMEREM IKEGBUNAM
