VCDP Distributes Farm Inputs To Kogi Farmers

The International Fund for Agricultural Development (FGN/IFAD)-assisted Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP-AF) has begun distributing farm inputs to 330 farmers across Kogi State.

The commissioner for agriculture and food security, Mr Timothy Ojomah, launched the exercise in Lokoja yesterday.

He was represented by Hajia Mariat Ibrahim, the director of administration at the ministry.

Ojomah praised the VCDP for its support to farmers and its contributions to Kogi’s agricultural development and economic growth.

He commended Gov. Ahmed Ododo for his sustained commitment to farmers through agricultural initiatives enhancing food security in the state.

The commissioner reaffirmed the government’s dedication to creating an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural growth.

Earlier, the state coordinator of FGN/IFAD-VCDP, Dr Stella Adejoh, said the initiative aimed to enhance productivity and food security in rice and cassava production.

She said the programme covers five local government areas: Lokoja, Ajaokuta, Olamaboro, Kabba-Bunu, and Ibaji.

According to Adejoh, 330 farmers are beneficiaries in this current phase of the 2025 wet season farming.

“This brings the cumulative number of supported farmers to approximately 5,600 across the five participating LGAs,” she said.

She added that the farm input distribution is inclusive, targeting women, youths, and vulnerable groups.

Adejoh explained that farmers contribute 50 per cent of input costs, while VCDP covers the remaining 50 per cent.

She thanked Governor Ododo for his proactive payment of counterpart funding and support for the VCDP programme.