Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, on Monday launched the distribution of the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Program (ASAP) grant under the Federal Government/International Fund for Agricultural Development/Value Chain Development Program (FGN/IFAD/VCDP), supported by the United Nations.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba, performed the flag-off ceremony in Minna, which also featured the graduation of youths trained in the fabrication of agricultural equipment.
Bago noted that Niger is one of only two states selected for the ASAP grant, which builds on the successes of the FGN/IFAD/VCDP in tackling challenges in rice and cassava production, processing, and marketing across nine local government areas.
He described the intervention as timely and in line with his administration’s vision to transform agriculture, adding that it will strengthen the capacity of smallholder farmers to cope with climate change, expand arable land, and promote climate-resilient practices.
The governor commended the federal government and IFAD/VCDP for recognising Niger State’s efforts in agriculture, pledging the state’s continued prompt payment of counterpart funding while calling for the inclusion of more local governments in the program.
He also congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to make good use of the grants and starter packs to create jobs, boost livelihoods, and provide services to farmers.
National Program Coordinator of VCDP, Dr. Fatima Aliyu, said the initiative has made significant progress in promoting youth entrepreneurship, empowering women, and advancing climate-smart agriculture.
She explained that the ASAP grant targets 24,000 beneficiaries nationwide, including 18,700 farmers in Niger State, and covers areas such as climate-resilient planting materials, soil conservation, erosion control, waste-to-wealth initiatives, water access, and renewable energy solutions.
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, represented by Mohammad Bashir Abdulkadir, said the distribution of the grant and youth graduation were clear signs of an inclusive, climate-smart, youth-driven, and profitable future for Nigerian agriculture.
Goodwill messages from representatives of NAMDA, Minna Green House, Edati Local Government, and the National Animal Production Research Institute (NAPRI) praised the initiative as a catalyst for growth and development in the sector.
Beneficiaries received equipment, including cassava peel conversion machines, rice husk briquette machines, solar-powered irrigation pumps, power tillers, and digital tools for climate information.
Starter packs were also distributed to 45 trained youths across nine local government areas.
