Federal Government Launches ₦19.5 Billion AgGrow Support Scheme for Smallholder Farmers

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has unveiled a ₦19.5 billion AgGrow Support Scheme aimed at empowering smallholder farmers across Nigeria. This ambitious initiative combines financial support with digital monitoring to improve agricultural productivity and ensure transparency in distribution.

What Is the AgGrow Scheme About?

AgGrow is a nationwide support program targeting 50,000 smallholder farmers involved in maize, rice, cassava, and soybean production. It is designed to ease the burden of input costs and connect farmers directly to processors, eliminating middlemen and enhancing market access.

Farmers enrolled in the program will benefit from:

• 50% subsidy on seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products (CPPs)
• Full input financing, with only 50% of the total input cost to be repaid post-harvest by processors

This model allows farmers to focus on production without the financial strain of upfront costs, while processors are assured of a steady supply of quality produce.

A Digital Monitoring System for Transparency

To ensure proper management and measurable impact, NADF has launched a digital Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) platform. This system will:

• Track each seed and input from distribution to on-farm usage
• Monitor every naira spent on the scheme
• Provide real-time data to fine-tune agricultural support and maximize results

Participating farmers will be:

• Registered using their BVN or National Identity Number
• Geo-tagged and biometrically verified
• Subject to regular reporting and third-party audits

These measures are in place to prevent misuse and ensure the credibility of the scheme.

Inclusivity at the Core

NADF has emphasized inclusivity as a core feature of AgGrow. Of the 50,000 farmers:

• 40% will be women
• 20% will be youth

This inclusive approach aligns with national goals to promote gender equality and youth empowerment in rural communities.

Connecting Farmers to Markets

AgGrow operates through structured outgrower arrangements, directly linking farmers to pre-qualified agro-processors. This strategy:

• Increases farmers’ access to ready markets
• Reduces post-harvest losses
• Strengthens local sourcing of raw materials for Nigeria’s agro-processing sector

Processors also benefit by repaying only part of the input costs after harvest, ensuring continuity in raw material supply while boosting productivity.

How to Benefit

Smallholder farmers can access the AgGrow scheme through accredited agro-processors participating in the program. These processors will serve as the distribution channels for inputs and the repayment system after harvest.

A Game Changer for Nigeria’s Agricultural Sector

The AgGrow initiative marks a new chapter in Nigeria’s agricultural development. By leveraging technology, financial support, and inclusive participation, NADF is setting the pace for sustainable growth in the country’s food system.

For farmers, agripreneurs, and stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, this scheme represents a practical model for how public sector funding can transform rural livelihoods, improve food security, and energize local economies.