Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has unveiled the 2026 distribution of fertilisers and other agricultural inputs to 63,000 registered smallholder farmers, describing the initiative as a major step toward increasing food production, improving farmers’ productivity, and strengthening food security across the state.
The large-scale agricultural intervention is designed to provide farmers with essential farm inputs ahead of the planting season, enabling them to cultivate larger areas, improve crop yields, and increase household incomes while supporting the state’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.
Furthermore, Governor Mbah reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to making agriculture one of the strongest drivers of economic growth in Enugu State, stressing that sustainable investment in farming remains essential for reducing poverty, creating employment, and ensuring long-term food security.
He explained that empowering smallholder farmers remains a priority because they constitute the backbone of agricultural production throughout the state.
Supporting Thousands of Farmers
The governor stated that the programme will directly benefit 63,000 registered smallholder farmers spread across communities in Enugu State.
Furthermore, the beneficiaries will receive fertilisers and other critical agricultural inputs capable of improving productivity throughout the farming season.
Access to quality farm inputs remains one of the biggest challenges facing many rural farmers.
Timely support improves productivity.
Governor Mbah explained that providing these resources before cultivation begins allows farmers to maximise production while reducing financial pressure associated with purchasing farming materials independently.
Boosting Food Production
According to the governor, increasing food production remains one of the central objectives of the initiative.
Furthermore, improved access to fertilisers and quality agricultural inputs will enable farmers to cultivate healthier crops while increasing overall harvest volumes.
Higher yields strengthen food security.
The administration believes expanded agricultural production will improve food availability, stabilise supply chains, and contribute to reducing pressure on food prices over time.
Governor Mbah maintained that strengthening local food production remains essential for building a resilient economy.
Agriculture as an Economic Driver
Governor Mbah emphasised that agriculture continues to offer enormous opportunities for economic growth.
Furthermore, investments in farming generate employment, stimulate agro-processing, encourage entrepreneurship, and support rural economic development.
Agriculture creates prosperity.
The governor explained that supporting farmers contributes not only to food production but also to industrial development by providing raw materials for processing industries and manufacturing businesses.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning agriculture as a major pillar of Enugu State’s economy.
Empowering Smallholder Farmers
The governor acknowledged the important role played by smallholder farmers in sustaining food production across the state.
Furthermore, he explained that empowering these farmers with quality inputs, improved technologies, extension services, and modern farming practices remains critical for achieving sustainable agricultural growth.
Smallholder farmers feed communities.
The administration therefore intends to continue expanding programmes capable of improving their productivity while increasing their economic resilience.
Improving Rural Livelihoods
Governor Mbah observed that stronger agricultural performance directly improves living standards in rural communities.
Furthermore, increased productivity translates into higher incomes, expanded business opportunities, improved household welfare, and stronger local economies.
Agriculture reduces poverty.
By supporting thousands of farmers simultaneously, the government expects the programme to generate broader economic benefits extending beyond individual beneficiaries.
The initiative therefore contributes significantly to inclusive rural development.
Modernising Agriculture
The governor reiterated his administration’s determination to modernise agricultural practices throughout Enugu State.
Furthermore, improved access to quality inputs forms only one component of broader efforts aimed at increasing efficiency through technology, mechanisation, irrigation, extension services, research, and improved market access.
Modern agriculture improves competitiveness.
Governor Mbah encouraged farmers to adopt innovative farming methods capable of increasing productivity while promoting environmental sustainability.
Strengthening Food Security
Food security remains one of the administration’s major priorities.
Furthermore, strengthening agricultural production ensures that families have greater access to affordable and nutritious food while reducing dependence on external food supplies.
Reliable food systems strengthen communities.
Governor Mbah explained that sustainable agricultural investment remains one of the most effective strategies for addressing food shortages while supporting long-term economic stability.
He expressed confidence that the initiative would contribute meaningfully to achieving these objectives.
Partnership with Farmers
The governor called on beneficiaries to maximise the opportunity provided through the programme.
Furthermore, he encouraged farmers to utilise the fertilisers and other agricultural inputs responsibly while maintaining good farming practices capable of producing higher yields.
Government and farmers share responsibility.
According to him, successful agricultural transformation depends on continuous collaboration between government institutions, farming communities, agricultural cooperatives, financial institutions, researchers, and private sector investors.
Looking Ahead
Governor Peter Mbah concluded by reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to strengthening agriculture through sustained investment, farmer empowerment, improved infrastructure, and modern farming practices.
Furthermore, he expressed confidence that the distribution of fertilisers and agricultural inputs to 63,000 registered smallholder farmers will significantly improve food production, increase household incomes, create employment opportunities, strengthen rural economies, and support the state’s long-term development strategy.
As beneficiaries prepare for the 2026 farming season, the governor maintained that continued investment in agriculture will position Enugu State as one of Nigeria’s leading food-producing regions while creating lasting opportunities for farmers, attracting agribusiness investment, promoting economic diversification, and building a stronger, more prosperous future driven by sustainable agricultural growth.
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