The Senator representing Kwara Central Senatorial District, Saliu Mustapha, has flagged off the distribution of agricultural inputs worth over ₦1.5 billion to thousands of smallholder farmers under the Renewed Hope Farmers Support Scheme.

The intervention is aimed at boosting food production and supporting the Federal Government’s food security agenda across Kwara Central.

Items distributed include 5,000 bags of NPK fertiliser, 2,500 bags of urea, 1,000 knapsack sprayers, 250 power tillers, 500 water pumps, and other farming implements.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Ilorin, Mustapha, who chairs the Senate Committee on Agriculture Production Services and Rural Development, said the initiative was designed to empower farmers, increase crop yields and strengthen food security.

“This intervention is designed to improve agricultural productivity and support the Federal Government’s food security drive. I urge all beneficiaries to make effective use of these inputs to boost food production during this farming season,” he said.

The senator noted that supporting smallholder farmers remains one of the most effective ways to tackle rising food prices, improve rural livelihoods and promote sustainable agricultural development.

He added that the programme aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises food sufficiency and economic empowerment through agriculture.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kwara State, Shuaibu Salman, described the intervention as timely, saying it would improve agricultural productivity and encourage more people to embrace farming.

The Kwara State Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN), Mallam Soliu Mohammed, also commended the initiative, saying the inputs would boost rice production and support farmers across the state.

The beneficiaries pledged to make effective use of the inputs to increase food production and contribute to food security.