The Federal govenment, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) to improve fertilizer access for farmers in furtherance of the food security mandate of the Tinubu administration.
The move, according to the government is aimed to address the issues of fertilizer affordability, accessibility, and timely distribution, which has been a major setback for small holder farmers in the country.
Through the partnership, the Ministry and IFDC will work to strengthen fertilizer supply systems, expand soil testing and balanced nutrient management, and support private-sector-led distribution across the country.
Speaking during the meeting where the pact was signed, in Abuja, Marcus Ogunbiyi, Permanent Secretary to the minister of Agriculture and Food Security, noted that fertilizer remains indispensable for increasing crop yields and improving farm productivity across the agricultural value chain.
He emphasized that a farmer may appreciate access to machinery, tools, or financial services; however, the availability and affordability of fertilizer often determine the success or failure of a farming season.
