National Agricultural Development Fund Launches N19.5 Billion AgGrow Support Scheme for Smallholder Farmers: How to Apply

The National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) has officially launched the N19.5 billion AgGrow Support Scheme aimed at boosting productivity for smallholder farmers in Nigeria. This strategic government initiative is designed to strengthen food security, increase farm output, and reduce poverty among low-income farmers across rural and semi-urban areas.

This article provides all the important information about the AgGrow Support Scheme, including eligibility criteria, the application process, program benefits, and frequently asked questions.

What is the AgGrow Support Scheme?

The AgGrow Support Scheme is a new financial empowerment program by the National Agricultural Development Fund. With a funding pool of ₦19.5 billion, the scheme targets smallholder farmers—those cultivating 1 to 5 hectares of farmland. The support comes in the form of subsidized inputs, interest-free loans, technical training, and market access.

This scheme is a game changer for smallholder farmers in Nigeria, who often lack access to affordable credit and modern agricultural tools.

The National Agricultural Development Fund designed AgGrow to fill the gaps in food production by empowering local farmers. Through this scheme, smallholder farmers can expand operations and contribute to national food security.

Key Features of the N19.5 Billion AgGrow Support Scheme

Here are some highlights of what smallholder farmers can expect from the AgGrow Support Scheme:

1. Input Subsidy

Registered farmers will receive heavily discounted inputs including high-yield seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation kits. These subsidies will reduce farm expenses for smallholder farmers by up to 60%.

2. Zero-Interest Loans

The National Agricultural Development Fund will offer zero-interest loans ranging from ₦100,000 to ₦500,000. These loans are repayable over 12–24 months and require minimal collateral.

3. Capacity Building

Enrolled smallholder farmers will benefit from hands-on training, farm management workshops, and technical advisory services by experts from local agricultural institutes.

4. Guaranteed Market Access

To ensure profitability, AgGrow connects farmers directly to aggregators, food processors, and export companies. This will help smallholder farmers avoid middlemen and get better prices for their crops.

5. Digital Monitoring and Support

The scheme uses digital technology to monitor farms, provide updates, and offer virtual training for remote communities.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the AgGrow Support Scheme, applicants must:

• Be a Nigerian citizen

• Be actively engaged in farming

• Own or lease 1 to 5 hectares of farmland

• Belong to a recognized farmer group or cooperative

• Have a Bank Verification Number (BVN)

• Be willing to undergo training sessions

This initiative is exclusively designed for smallholder farmers, with special consideration for women and youth farmers.

How to Apply for the AgGrow Support Scheme

Applying for the AgGrow scheme is simple. Follow the step-by-step guide below:

Step 1: Visit the Official NADF Portal

Go to the National Agricultural Development Fund website at www.nadf.gov.ng/agrow. Only apply through this official portal to avoid scams.

Step 2: Create a Farmer Profile

Register with your full name, BVN, contact details, cooperative group information, and farm size. Upload your recent passport photo and valid ID card.

Step 3: Select Type of Support Needed

Choose from input support, zero-interest loans, technical training, or all options available.

Step 4: Submit Application

Carefully review your information and submit the form. You’ll receive a confirmation email or SMS within 24–48 hours.

Step 5: Attend Screening & Training

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a physical screening and basic agricultural training program before funds or inputs are released.

Important Dates and Deadlines

• Application Opens: July 10, 2025

• Application Closes: August 9, 2025

• Screening Begins: August 20, 2025

• Disbursement Starts: September 2025

Why the AgGrow Support Scheme Matters

With inflation and food insecurity rising, initiatives like AgGrow are timely interventions. This ₦19.5 billion investment will directly impact over 200,000 smallholder farmers, stimulating rural economies and enhancing the nation’s food basket.

The National Agricultural Development Fund is leading a long-term agenda to modernize Nigeria’s agriculture sector. By focusing on smallholder farmers, the AgGrow Support Scheme aims to:

• Reduce post-harvest losses

• Boost farm productivity

• Encourage youth participation in agriculture

• Decrease Nigeria’s reliance on food imports

FAQs About the AgGrow Support Scheme

1. Who is eligible for the AgGrow Support Scheme?

Only smallholder farmers (with 1–5 hectares of land) who are Nigerian citizens and belong to recognized farmer cooperatives can apply.

2. Is the loan truly interest-free?

Yes, the loan offered by the National Agricultural Development Fund under AgGrow is completely interest-free.

3. What crops are supported?

The AgGrow scheme supports staple crops such as maize, rice, cassava, millet, yam, and vegetables.

4. Can women apply?

Yes! In fact, female smallholder farmers are highly encouraged to apply. The program reserves 40% of all slots for women.

5. Is there any fee to apply?

No. The entire application for AgGrow Support Scheme is free of charge.

6. Can I apply without being part of a cooperative?

Unfortunately, no. Membership in a recognized farmer cooperative is mandatory.

Final Thoughts

The N19.5 billion AgGrow Support Scheme is one of the most impactful agricultural initiatives ever introduced by the Nigerian government. Through this scheme, the National Agricultural Development Fund is showing strong support for smallholder farmers, helping them access capital, training, and markets.

If you are a farmer looking to grow your output and income, this is your chance to benefit from a government-backed support system. Apply early to increase your chances of getting selected.

For more updates, visit the official NADF portal or follow their verified social media pages.