BATNF focuses on smallholder farmers to boost rice farming in Ebonyi

In a bid to boost food security, the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has supported smallholder farmers in Ebonyi State, through the second phase of its rice farming support programme.

Oludare Odusanya, general manager of BATNF, in a statement, emphasised the importance of grassroots empowerment such as this.

“Our interventions are designed not only to provide immediate support but also to foster long-term resilience and self-sufficiency among smallholder farmers.”

“We believe that with adequate resources, knowledge, and market access, these farmers can uplift their communities and contribute significantly to Nigeria’s food security,” he added.

Addressing the farmers directly, Odusanya expressed gratitude for their resilience and trust. 

Read also: BATNF boosts protein production with sustainable poultry project

“Your dedication and hard work are the backbone of Nigeria’s food security. We are proud to support your journey and look forward to celebrating your successes in this planting season and beyond,” he noted. 

He further commended partnerships with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Agriculture and Ecofield Agrolinks Enterprises, highlighting the collective effort required to sustain and scale such impactful interventions.

In 2024, BATN made remarkable headway by supporting 400 smallholder rice farmers across four communities in the state, including, Eketube Enyigba (Abakaliki LGA), Ndiokeda (Izzi LGA), Ogwulangwu (Ohaozara LGA), and Nduikbi (Ebonyi LGA). 

These farmers received targeted capacity building through hands-on training, demonstration plots, and field days designed to promote improved agronomic practices.

According to the foundation, in 2025, efforts are also intensifying with a strategic intervention that saw the distribution of 1,000 kg of high-quality rice seeds, 6,000 kg of fertilizer, herbicides, pesticides. 

The statement further noted that the foundation plans a third phase in 2026, envisaged as an enterprise development initiative. 

This phase aims to support 100 farmers with inputs to cultivate 100 hectares of rice, coupled with market linkage services to ensure sustainable income streams

Over the years, BATNF has invested over N4 billion in rural agricultural development, positively impacting over 1.7 million farmers across the country.