The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP) has flagged off the distribution of farm inputs for the 2025 wet season cassava farmers in Taraba State.
The event took place in Jalingo and was declared open by Nicholas Namessan, the commissioner for agriculture and food security.
Mr Namessan, who was represented by Salah Ali, permanent secretary of the ministry, called on the farmers to use the inputs responsibly in order to increase productivity and strengthen food security. He also warned farmers against selling the items.
“I urge you all to ensure that you make judicious use of the inputs given to you so as to enhance productivity and improve your standard of living and enhance food security for the country,” he said. He added that the government would not take it lightly with any farmer found selling the inputs.
Earlier, Irimiya Musa, the VCDP state programme coordinator, explained that the intervention was strategically designed to improve agricultural productivity, promote value addition and support the livelihoods of smallholder farmers.
Represented by Bedu Wiza, Mr Musa stated that the items distributed, including improved seeds, fertilisers and other agro-inputs, were crucial for boosting cassava production and ensuring food security in the state.
He assured the farmers that applying the inputs correctly would help them achieve better yields and greater development in agriculture. He described the programme as an opportunity for rural prosperity.
Mr Musa praised Governor Agbu Kefas for always providing counterpart funding promptly for the benefit of farmers in Taraba. He also commended Commissioner Namessan and other stakeholders for their strong support.
According to him, the Value Chain Development Programme is a result of the partnership between IFAD, the federal government and the Taraba State government. He described the initiative as one of the best things that has happened to rural communities in recent years.
The programme is currently supporting rice and cassava production, processing and marketing in Gassol, Karim-Lamido, Wukari, Ardo-Kola, Takum, Donga, Jalingo and Bali local government areas of Taraba.