The Federal Government has begun distributing fertiliser to farmers in Edo State under an intervention by the National Agricultural Development Fund.

At the launch in Benin City, 12,160 bags were handed to the Edo State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria. The programme is intended to increase farm yields, strengthen food security and support rural livelihoods.

The Executive Secretary of the fund, Mohammed Ibrahim, was represented by Senior Manager Sam Idiale. He said the initiative demonstrated the government’s commitment to food availability and sustainable agricultural production.

Idiale warned beneficiaries not to sell the fertiliser, stressing that diversion could reduce the state’s chances of receiving additional interventions. He said the supplies were reserved for properly profiled farmers and should not be treated as political patronage.

The Edo State Coordinator of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Patricia Imade, also urged recipients to apply the fertiliser according to professional recommendations and use it to increase food production.

The state chairman of the farmers’ association, Joe Usaigbu, thanked the Federal Government and the fund for the support. He said the intervention would improve farmers’ yields and encouraged beneficiaries to use the products for their intended purpose.