Towards implementing the ₦19.5 billion AgGrow Farm Support Programme, the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has officially launched a digital Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) platform.
According to information released on its website, this scheme is designed to support smallholder farmers across Nigeria by providing essential farming inputs and linking them directly to agricultural processors.
The scheme, which was established by the National Agricultural Development Fund (Establishment) Act 2022 (Act No. 34, 2022),was created by the Federal Government to address the persistent challenge of agricultural financing and to strengthen Nigeria’s food systems. The fund is now rolling out one of its most ambitious initiatives yet, AgGrow, a national farmer support program targeting 50,000 smallholder farmers across the country’s six geopolitical zones.
Further details show that under the AgGrow scheme, farmers in the maize, rice, cassava, and soybean value chains will receive:50% subsidy on seeds, fertilizers, and crop protection products (CPPs),financing of inputs, with repayments of only 50% required from processors after harvest
This means smallholder farmers can produce more without the heavy financial burden of input costs, while processors get direct access to quality produce, cutting out expensive middlemen.
“To ensure efficiency and transparency, NADF has introduced a digital Monitoring and Evaluation platform. This technology will track every seed and input from distribution to on-farm usage, every naira invested in the scheme, real-time results to help fine-tune support and improve agricultural outcomes.Participating farmers will also be:registered using a BVN or National Identity Number
“Geo-tagged and biometrically verified subject to weekly reporting, third-party audits, and strict monitoring to prevent misuse. This data-driven approach ensures accountability and strengthens the credibility of the program across stakeholders in the agricultural value chain.NADF has emphasized that inclusivity is central to the AgGrow program. Of the 50,000 farmers expected to benefit:”
“40% will be women, 20% will be youth. This focus on gender and youth participation supports broader national goals for inclusive growth, employment, and empowerment in rural communities.AgGrow is built around structured outgrower arrangements that directly connect farmers to agro-processors.
“By removing the need for middlemen, the program aims to: improve access to markets for farmers, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen local raw material sourcing for Nigeria’s growing agro-processing sector, processors, who will repay part of the input costs post-harvest, also benefit by securing a steady supply of raw materials, further enhancing food security and industrial productivity.
Details from the website further revealed that farmers who want to benefit from the AgGrow support scheme must visit the official NADF website to learn more and begin the registration process:at www.nadf.gov.ng
The AgGrow program is a significant step toward transforming Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. For farmers, agripreneurs, agro-processors, and stakeholders across Africa watching Nigeria’s agricultural reforms, this initiative offers a powerful example of how targeted support and technology can drive inclusive and sustainable growth in the food sector.
