News in Brief:
– Nigerian farmers will receive free fertiliser donated by the Central Bank to boost food production.
– The Ministry of Agriculture is finalising distribution plans after addressing concerns about the fertiliser’s quality.
Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAS) is preparing to distribute 2.15 million bags of fertiliser donated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The aim is to support farmers during the upcoming wet planting season and boost domestic food production.
According to reports, the distribution process was initially delayed due to concerns about the fertiliser’s expiry date. The Ministry has however addressed these concerns, clarifying that the fertiliser was leftover stock from the CBN’s previous Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP). They maintained that the fertiliser underwent quality testing at three laboratories to ensure it remained suitable for use.
Meantime, the donated fertiliser consists of various blends, including NPK formulas and Urea, with a total weight exceeding 107,000 metric tonnes. The ministry is developing a plan for zone-by-zone distribution to ensure farmers across the country receive the supplies. Details on the specific distribution channels are yet to be announced.
Remarkably, this fertiliser donation marks a shift in the CBN’s approach to supporting agriculture. The current Governor, Mr. Olayemi Cardoso, reiterated the bank’s renewed focus on monetary and price stability. Previously, under Governor Godwin Emefiele, the CBN directly intervened in the sector through loan programs like the ABP, which faced criticism from various stakeholders.
Concurrently, agricultural experts have urged the FMAS to expedite the distribution process to coincide with the rainy season and maximise its impact on crop yields, as timely access to farming inputs is crucial for optimal agricultural productivity.
