The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) has launched a wet season agricultural input support programme in Katsina State aimed at cultivating 10,000 hectares of farmland, reinforcing Nigeria’s drive to increase domestic food production and improve food security.
The initiative, implemented in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is expected to benefit thousands of smallholder farmers across the state during the 2026 wet planting season. The programme forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to improve access to critical farm inputs, raise crop yields, and strengthen rural livelihoods amid persistent food inflation and supply challenges.
Under the scheme, each participating farmer will receive four bags of NPK fertilizer and two bags of urea to enhance soil fertility and improve crop productivity. Distribution is being coordinated through more than 1,000 registered farmer cooperatives and aggregation companies, a structure designed to ensure timely delivery and reduce logistical bottlenecks.
The official launch attracted about 150 farmer representatives and key stakeholders, including BOA Managing Director Ayo Sotinri, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, represented by a state commissioner, and the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Yau Gojo.
BOA said it has adopted technology-driven verification systems to enhance transparency and accountability throughout the distribution process. Beneficiaries are being validated through Bank Verification Number (BVN) and Know Your Customer (KYC) procedures, while Global Positioning System (GPS) mapping is being used to identify participating farms and verify cultivated land.
According to the bank, input distribution has already commenced to ensure farmers receive fertilizers within the optimal planting window, a critical factor in maximizing crop yields during the wet season.
The programme is expected to strengthen agricultural value chains by improving farmers’ access to essential production inputs, increasing farm output, and supporting rural incomes. By working closely with state authorities, cooperative societies, and farmer associations, BOA aims to improve the efficiency of intervention programmes while ensuring support reaches genuine producers.
Agriculture remains one of Nigeria’s largest employers and a key contributor to gross domestic product (GDP). However, the sector continues to face challenges ranging from high input costs and climate-related risks to limited access to affordable financing. Targeted interventions such as the Katsina input support programme are increasingly viewed as important tools for improving productivity and reducing the country’s dependence on food imports.
Analysts say the success of the initiative will ultimately depend on timely distribution, effective monitoring, and sustained support throughout the farming season. If efficiently implemented, the programme could contribute to higher harvests, stronger rural economies, and progress toward the Federal Government’s long-term agricultural transformation and food security objectives.
