The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has commenced the distribution of fertilisers, maize seeds, and crop protection products to approximately 500,000 smallholder farmers across Nigeria under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Smallholder Support and Value Chain Fund.

This large-scale initiative is designed to strengthen food security, boost agricultural productivity, and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers. The programme will span more than 20 states and support the cultivation of about 520,000 hectares of farmland nationwide.

According to the Bank of Agriculture, the intervention is projected to generate at least 2.6 million tonnes of additional food, significantly contributing to Nigeria’s food supply and enhancing the overall agricultural value chain.

The rollout of the programme was officially announced during a flag-off event held in Karau-Karau, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BOA, Ayo Sotinrin, who was represented by the Divisional Head of Finance and Strategy, Osho Adekunle, described the initiative as a critical step toward expanding food production and empowering smallholder farmers.

He noted that the intervention forms part of a nationwide effort targeting nearly 500,000 farmers, with the aim of increasing cultivated land and delivering substantial output to support the country’s food basket. He further revealed that the programme has already recorded progress, with close to 200,000 farmers having received financing support across the country.

The initiative is expected to ease the financial burden faced by smallholder farmers by providing essential agricultural inputs, thereby enabling them to increase productivity during the planting season.

Beyond direct support to farmers, the programme is also anticipated to benefit Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating within the agricultural value chain. These include input suppliers, agro-processors, food manufacturers, transporters, and produce marketers, all of whom may experience increased demand for services and improved access to raw materials. If effectively implemented, the programme could also help stabilize food supply and strengthen rural economies across participating states.

Farmers interested in participating in the Bank of Agriculture’s support programmes are required to open an account with the bank as a first step. Once the account is created, applicants are advised to keep it active and await further official instructions regarding enrolment into the farmers’ support scheme and other BOA interventions.

Interested individuals can open an account through the official BOA portal:

Application Link

Farmers and stakeholders are encouraged to share this information widely to ensure broader awareness and participation in the programme.