Enugu, June 5, 2026 — The International Fund for Agricultural Development–Value Chain Development Programme (IFAD-VCDP) has supplied agro-inputs to rural farmers across selected intervention local government areas in Enugu State to support ongoing wet-season farming.
The distribution exercise was officially launched on Friday in Ezinesi Oduma, Aninri Local Government Area, as part of efforts to boost agricultural output and enhance farmers’ productivity across participating communities.
Items distributed included 2,480 bags of 50kg NPK fertiliser, 640 bags of 50kg urea fertiliser, 320 bags of certified 50kg rice seeds, herbicides, and 15,000 bundles of cassava stems.
Speaking at the launch, the Enugu State Programme Coordinator of IFAD-VCDP, Dr Edward Isiwu, said the intervention is part of the programme’s annual support scheme implemented through a matching grant arrangement.
He explained that farmers contribute 50 per cent of the cost of inputs, while IFAD-VCDP covers the remaining 50 per cent to support increased agricultural production.
Isiwu said Governor Peter Mbah has continued to show strong commitment to agricultural development and has consistently supported farmers across the state.
He noted that participating farmers from five local government areas make contributions based on allocated hectares, with some farmer groups paying for 10 to 15 hectares depending on their size.
According to him, his role as coordinator is to ensure that farmers receive the exact inputs they paid for without delay or diversion.
He added that the timely distribution of inputs would enable farmers to fully maximise the ongoing farming season and improve yields across the intervention areas.
In previous cycles, he said, delays in distribution sometimes reduced the effectiveness of the inputs, but the current rollout ensures materials reach farmers when planting activities are active.
He further explained that five redemption centres have been established across Aninri, Nkanu East, Isi-Uzo, Enugu East and Udenu LGAs, with the exercise expected to last one month.
Isiwu commended the state government for its continued support and pledged that the programme would ensure farmers derive maximum benefit from the intervention.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Graicia Global Ltd., Dr Christopher Ugwu, said the quality of inputs supplied would significantly improve productivity and crop yields.
He described Aninri as a key agricultural hub in the state, noting that farmers in the area have shown strong commitment to farming activities.
Ugwu said improved rice varieties, including Faro 44/45, were among the seeds distributed to enhance harvest outcomes.
He added that the decentralisation of distribution centres to local government areas has made access easier for farmers compared to previous arrangements based in urban centres.
According to him, the company will continue to monitor beneficiaries to ensure proper utilisation of the inputs and assess farming outcomes.
A representative of Umuikuku Cooperative Society, Mrs Florence Okoli, expressed appreciation to IFAD-VCDP and the state government for the support, describing the inputs as timely and impactful.
She said the fertilisers, herbicides and rice seeds received would boost productivity and help improve household incomes.
Another beneficiary, Mr Ferdinand Ani, also commended the initiative, noting that early delivery of inputs would positively influence yields and reduce poverty within farming communities.