The Nigerian government is implementing several agricultural programmes in 2026 to improve food production, support smallholder farmers, reduce farming costs, expand access to agricultural finance and create jobs for young people.
These initiatives include the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme, National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket, National Agricultural Development Fund programmes, agricultural mechanisation initiatives and financing through the Bank of Agriculture.
Some programmes provide fertiliser and other farm inputs, while others offer training, equipment access, loans or business support. Farmers should confirm the eligibility requirements and current registration status before applying.
1. Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme (FISP)
The Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme is a Federal Government initiative implemented through the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF). It aims to help smallholder farmers obtain agricultural inputs and reduce the cost of production.
In June 2026, the government announced the distribution of 515,720 bags of urea and NPK fertiliser to 128,930 smallholder farmers across 25 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
What support does the programme provide?
Eligible beneficiaries may receive fertiliser or other approved farm inputs through designated distribution arrangements. The programme is intended to improve crop yields, reduce production costs and strengthen food security.
Who can benefit?
- Smallholder crop farmers.
- Farmers in participating states and designated distribution areas.
- Eligible farmers growing food crops.
- Farmers selected through the programme’s verification process.
How can farmers participate?
Farmers should contact the National Agricultural Development Fund, their state Ministry of Agriculture or a recognised farmer association to ask whether another distribution round is available.
Official website: https://nadf.gov.ng/
Important: The June 2026 announcement confirms the distribution programme, but it does not establish that new applications are open nationwide in October 2026.
2. National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket (NAGS-AP)
The National Agricultural Growth Scheme and Agro-Pocket is designed to support smallholder farmers producing priority food crops. The initiative aims to improve access to agricultural inputs and increase domestic food production.
According to the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the programme has supported farmers across four farming seasons, contributing to the production of staple foods.
Main objectives
- Increase agricultural productivity.
- Improve farmers’ access to quality inputs.
- Support food-security crops.
- Strengthen agricultural value chains.
- Reduce barriers to smallholder farming.
Who should enquire?
Farmers growing eligible crops, particularly smallholders interested in participating in a government-supported production programme, should contact their state agricultural authorities or the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security.
How to check registration
Visit https://agriculture.gov.ng/ and look for NAGS-AP announcements, participating states and approved registration channels.
Registration requirements and application periods may differ between farming seasons.
3. NADF AgGrow Farm Support Programme
The National Agricultural Development Fund operates the AgGrow Farm Support Programme to improve smallholder farming and connect farmers with agricultural processors.
The programme has an announced value of ₦19.5 billion and aims to support 50,000 smallholder farmers. Its model includes a 50% subsidy on selected inputs, including improved seeds, fertilisers and crop-protection products.
Priority crops include maize, rice, cassava and soybeans.
Who can apply?
Potential participants include eligible smallholder farmers cultivating the programme’s priority crops and farmers participating in approved outgrower arrangements.
How does the programme work?
Participating farmers can receive eligible inputs through approved arrangements. The programme also aims to connect farmers with processors, helping to improve market access and reduce dependence on intermediaries.
How to apply
Visit https://nadf.gov.ng/programs-and-initiatives/ and check the AgGrow programme information.
Before registering, confirm whether new beneficiaries are being accepted in your state, which crops qualify and whether you must participate through an approved farmer group or processor.
4. National Agricultural Development Programme (NADP-1) Lending Programme
The NADF’s National Agricultural Development Programme, known as NADP-1, is designed to improve farmers’ access to finance, agricultural inputs and market connections.
The initial pilot was launched in June 2025 as a ₦1.5 billion on-lending facility. It initially targeted maize farmers in Kaduna State through a partnership involving Flour Mills of Nigeria and NOVA Merchant Bank.
What does it offer?
The programme is designed to help eligible farmers obtain agricultural financing and strengthen their links with input suppliers and buyers.
Potential beneficiaries may include smallholder farmers, cooperatives and participants in approved agricultural value chains.
Is it a free grant?
No. NADP-1 is an on-lending facility, which means financing is generally repayable under agreed terms.
How to enquire
Contact NADF or an approved participating financial institution to ask whether the facility has expanded to your state and whether a new application window is available.
Official information: https://nadf.gov.ng/programs-and-initiatives/
5. Renewed Hope Agricultural Mechanisation Programme
The Federal Government is expanding agricultural mechanisation to help farmers reduce dependence on manual labour, improve efficiency and cultivate larger areas of land.
In 2026, the government announced the commissioning of a mechanisation programme involving 2,000 tractors and implements. It has also outlined a wider national agricultural mechanisation policy.
What support is available?
Depending on the implementation arrangements, farmers may benefit from improved access to tractors, implements and mechanisation services.
Potential benefits include:
- Faster land preparation.
- Reduced labour requirements.
- Improved farm productivity.
- Better access to equipment for larger farming operations.
- Opportunities for agricultural service businesses.
Who may benefit?
Smallholder farmers, commercial farmers, agricultural cooperatives and eligible mechanisation service providers may be relevant beneficiaries.
How to participate
Visit https://agriculture.gov.ng/ and look for the latest mechanisation programme announcements.
Ask your state Ministry of Agriculture whether tractor services, equipment schemes or approved service providers are available in your area.
The announcement of a national mechanisation programme does not mean every farmer can immediately receive a free tractor.
6. Bank of Agriculture agricultural financing
The Bank of Agriculture (BOA) provides financing services for farmers and agribusinesses. Depending on the available facility, financing may support crop production, livestock, fisheries, agricultural processing and other eligible activities.
In October 2026, BOA announced a partnership with the All-Farmers Association of Nigeria to expand dry-season financing, with a target of 400,000 farmers.
Who may qualify?
- Smallholder farmers.
- Commercial crop farmers.
- Livestock and poultry businesses.
- Eligible agricultural cooperatives.
- Agricultural processing and related businesses.
How to apply
- Visit the official BOA website.
- Check the latest financing announcements.
- Contact the bank or an authorised participating farmer organisation.
- Confirm the interest rate, repayment terms, eligibility conditions and documentation requirements.
Official website: https://boanig.com/
Note: Bank financing is not the same as a free government grant. Applicants should understand their repayment obligations before accepting an offer.
7. AgSkills Agricultural Training Programme
NADF’s AgSkills programme is intended to develop agricultural skills among young people and improve employment opportunities in agriculture.
Ekiti State was selected as an inaugural beneficiary of the programme in 2025. The initiative aims to train and equip 1,000 young people annually, with starter packs intended to help graduates establish agricultural ventures.
What can participants gain?
- Agricultural skills and practical training.
- Knowledge of modern farming methods.
- Support in developing agricultural businesses.
- Starter packs, subject to programme conditions.
- Opportunities to pursue agricultural employment or entrepreneurship.
Who should apply?
Young Nigerians interested in farming, agricultural processing and other agribusiness activities should check for training opportunities in participating states.
How to enquire
Visit https://nadf.gov.ng/ and contact NADF or the Ekiti State Ministry of Agriculture to ask about the next intake.
The programme’s announced targets do not guarantee that applications are currently open.
8. NADF All-Season Irrigation Initiative
NADF has worked with partners on an all-season irrigation demonstration farm at Sabke Dam in Katsina State.
The project was designed to demonstrate the commercial potential of year-round farming using existing irrigation infrastructure.
Priority crops include maize, sorghum, cowpea and soybeans.
Benefits of irrigation programmes
- Extend farming beyond the rainy season.
- Reduce dependence on rainfall.
- Support dry-season production.
- Improve opportunities for multiple cropping cycles.
- Provide practical training in irrigated agriculture.
How can farmers participate?
Farmers in Katsina and nearby areas should contact NADF, the state agricultural authorities or relevant irrigation project partners to ask whether training, demonstration activities or farmer participation opportunities are available.
Official website: https://nadf.gov.ng/programs-and-initiatives/
This is a project-based initiative, not a confirmed nationwide cash-grant application.
9. World Bank-Supported AGROW Project
Nigeria’s Sustainable Agricultural Value-Chains for Growth project, supported by a US$500 million World Bank IDA credit, was approved in March 2026.
The project aims to improve smallholder productivity, strengthen agricultural markets and create jobs across selected agricultural value chains.
Priority value chains include rice, maize, cassava and soybeans.
What support is envisaged?
The project includes a proposed results-based matching-grant facility for eligible agribusinesses that work with smallholder farmers. Potential activities include produce aggregation, storage, post-harvest handling and processing.
Who may qualify?
Potential participants may include eligible agricultural processors, aggregators and businesses investing in agricultural market infrastructure.
A matching grant generally requires a contribution from the recipient and compliance with specific programme rules.
How to apply
Read the official project announcement at:
Monitor the responsible Nigerian implementing agencies for application guidelines and calls for proposals.
The project’s approval does not automatically mean a public application portal is open.
10. National Soil Health and Fertility Programme
The Federal Government is advancing soil mapping and soil-health initiatives to improve the way farmers manage soil nutrients and fertiliser application.
In October 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture reported that soil mapping had commenced under the National Soil Health and Fertility Programme.
What is the objective?
The initiative aims to improve understanding of soil conditions and support more appropriate fertiliser use. Better soil information can help farmers make decisions about crop suitability, soil fertility and productivity.
Who can benefit?
Farmers, agricultural extension workers, researchers and other participants in crop production may benefit from improved soil information and advisory services.
How to access information
Visit https://agriculture.gov.ng/ and contact your state agricultural extension service to ask whether soil testing, farmer training or soil-health advisory services are available in your area.
This is a technical and agricultural development initiative rather than a general cash-grant scheme.
11. Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZs)
The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones initiative aims to develop agricultural processing and related infrastructure in selected locations.
The broader objective is to connect farmers with processors, improve agricultural value addition, reduce post-harvest losses and create employment opportunities.
Potential benefits
- Better links between farmers and processors.
- Opportunities to supply agricultural produce to processing businesses.
- Development of storage and logistics infrastructure.
- Support for agricultural value chains.
- Employment and agribusiness opportunities.
Who should enquire?
Farmers, cooperatives, processors, investors and agricultural businesses operating in participating locations should monitor official programme announcements.
Visit https://agriculture.gov.ng/ for information about participating states, project developments and relevant opportunities.
SAPZ participation is not automatically a personal grant. Any financing or beneficiary scheme has its own eligibility requirements.
Documents farmers may need
Requirements differ between programmes, but applicants should prepare the following where relevant:
- A valid means of identification.
- Farm location and size.
- Details of crops, livestock or agricultural activities.
- Evidence of farming or agribusiness ownership.
- Cooperative membership documents, where required.
- A business plan and budget for financing or competitive grants.
- Bank account information submitted through an authorised channel.
- Any additional documents specified by the implementing agency.
Do not assume that all programmes require every document on this list.
How to find current agricultural programme registration
Farmers should follow these steps before applying:
Step 1: Identify whether you need free farm inputs, training, equipment access, a grant or a loan.
Step 2: Visit the responsible agency’s official website.
Step 3: Confirm that the programme is operating in your state and that new applicants are being accepted.
Step 4: Read the eligibility conditions and prepare the required documents.
Step 5: Submit through the official portal or authorised implementing partner.
Step 6: Keep your application reference and verify any payment request directly with the agency.
Beware of fake government agricultural programmes
Farmers should be cautious about websites and social media posts promising instant grants or free tractors.
A genuine government initiative may be restricted to selected states, crops, cooperatives or verified beneficiaries. Some programmes provide loans or subsidised inputs rather than cash.
Never disclose your banking PIN, password or one-time verification code to an alleged grant agent. Confirm registration fees and beneficiary contributions directly with the responsible agency before making payments.
Conclusion
Nigeria’s government agricultural programmes in 2026 cover farm-input support, agricultural finance, mechanisation, youth training, irrigation, soil health and agribusiness development.
The major initiatives to investigate include the Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme, NAGS-AP, NADF AgGrow, NADP-1, the Bank of Agriculture’s financing facilities, AgSkills, the mechanisation programme and the World Bank-supported AGROW project.
However, a programme’s existence does not guarantee that applications are currently open. Farmers should verify the latest intake, eligible locations and conditions through official channels before applying.









