The Nigerian farming industry is the heart of Nigeria’s economy. It provides jobs to over 70% of the people living in rural areas and contributes approximately 24% of the GDP of the entire nation. However, issues like weather changes, difficulty in obtaining money, and the age of equipment are still limiting the amount of food we are able to cultivate.
As part of the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) is working in conjunction with other organizations such as the National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF), the Bank of Industry (BOI), and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
They’ve made it simpler for more than 1 million small-scale farmers to receive these grants. There are programs specifically for young people, such as The Green Money Project, and large ones such as those offered by the Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF).
They assist with the cultivation of livestock and crops as well as fish and also the processing of food items. In 2025, when prices are falling at a slower rate, 22%, and there is a focus on exporting These grants could fetch N500 billion more in cash and create 500,000 new jobs and reduce imports of food by 30 percent.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about the federal government’s agriculture grants available in Nigeria. Such as eligibilty to apply, the best programs, and the best ways to apply, as well as real stories of success.
What Are Federal Government Agricultural Grants in Nigeria?
Federal government grants for agriculture in Nigeria are a special amount of money provided by the government of Nigeria to improve agriculture and ensure that there is enough food for all. They are provided by funding and ministries, offering money for items like fertilizer, seeds, machinery, or water infrastructure. As opposed to bank loans, these are open to all, particularly women, small farmers, and young people, as well as groups of people living in villages.
They began with laws such as that of the National Agricultural Technology and Innovation Policy (NATIP), starting in 2021 and running until 2025. The money comes through the federal budget as well as assistance from organizations such as the World Bank and IFAD, and the funds continue to roll around. In 2025 the NADF replaced the CBN’s previous program. It offers loans for low cost at single-digit interest for fertilizers and enhancing the value of crop production. The program invests N100 billion into agriculture. The ACGSF has distributed more than N1 trillion in the years since 1997, making loans more secure for banks.
The main areas in which they can help are:
- Crop growth: Money for rice, maize, cassava, and cocoa.
- Fish and other animals: Help for chickens and cows as well as fish farms.
- Food Processing: Cash for storing or grinding and then selling overseas.
- Agriculture that is weatherproof: the subsidies for seeds that can handle dry spells and sun-powered pumps for water.
These grants help fill a massive N2.5 trillion loan gap for farmers every year. They align with global goals, such as the end of hunger, poverty, and climate change (SDGs 1, 3, 2, and 13). These could add an additional 5% to GDP by 2030 and make agriculture more resilient.
Benefits of Federal Agricultural Grants
Federal agricultural grants go beyond providing money. They also help strengthen the farming system.
Growth and money help: Grants can be between N100,000 in small farms up to N50 million for larger ones and pay 50 to 80 percent of the cost without a payback. For instance, BOI gives up to N10 million with 5% interest, which means farmers can purchase tractors or cool storage facilities, increasing the amount of their crops by 40 percent.
Training and skills: Lots include free workshops on the art of farming, soil testing, and selling suggestions. The Anchor Borrowers’ Program under FMAFS has educated 4 million farmers over the course of 2015 and reduced the amount of food wasted after harvest by 25%.
Better market prices and lower chance of risk Farmers can sell to buyers of the government, such as those of the National Food Reserve Agency, for stable prices. ACGSF is able to cover 75 percent of the loan should the situation go wrong. Climate grants offer insurance for flooding.
Greater impact on communities and jobs: Every N1 spent returns N3.5 in benefits. This is equivalent to 5-10 jobs for each person. Women and young people comprise 60% of those who apply and make 35% more money aiding villages and preventing individuals from moving to cities.
In 2025, with prices for food increasing and decreasing across the globe, the grants will be crucial to ensuring that we have enough food supply and making farming an actual business.
Eligibility for Federal Government Agricultural Grants
To be eligible for the federal grant program for agricultural development in Nigeria, applicants must meet the requirements of the government.
Basic Requirements
- You must be a Nigerian citizen or a registered cooperative.
- The focus is on young people (18-35 year olds), women, and the smallholders (under 5 acres).
- You must be a registered company (CAC) or cooperative.
- Evidence of ownership of the land and lease.
- Annual turnover less than 50 million.
- No loans that are not paid and defaults.
Documents Needed
- National ID (NIN/BVN).
- CAC Certificate or co-operative registration.
- Lease agreements or documents for land.
- Business plan (10-15 pages).
- A tax clearance document.
- Projections of the impact (e.g., the expected yield growth).
More than 55 percent of applications that are rejected result from missing documents. Always follow the FMAFS template to guide you.
Top Federal Agricultural Grant Programs
The federal agricultural grants in Nigeria for 2025 add up to over ₦300 billion, Below are top government grants and programs helping Nigerian farmers in 2025:
National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) A ₦100 billion fund that keeps going for better crop chains.
| Aspect | Details |
| Funding | Up to ₦50 million loans/grants at 9% interest. |
| Eligibility | Registered agribusinesses in processing/export. |
| Apply | nadf.gov.ng; submit proposals quarterly. |
| Deadline | Rolling; next round Q4 2025. |
| Impact | Supports 10,000 farmers annually. |
Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF) Run by CBN to back bank loans for farming.
| Aspect | Details |
| Funding | 75% coverage up to ₦2 billion per beneficiary. |
| Eligibility | Farmers with bankable projects; no collateral needed. |
| Apply | Via participating banks (e.g., Zenith); cbn.gov.ng portal. |
| Deadline | Year-round. |
Youth and Enterprise in Agriculture Development Programme (YEIDEP) From the youth ministry to fight no jobs
| Aspect | Details |
| Funding | ₦300,000-₦400,000 grants per youth farmer. |
| Eligibility | Ages 18-35; viable agri-plans. |
| Apply | yeidep.org or FMYD portal (launched Jan 2025). |
| Deadline | Ongoing phases. |
| Bonus | Training and mentorship. |
The Green Money Project President’s plan for young farmers.
| Aspect | Details |
| Funding | Up to ₦1 million equity-free capital. |
| Eligibility | 18-40 years; Nigerian residents, no prior grants. |
| Apply | thegreenmoneyproject.ng; online registration. |
| Deadline | October 30, 2025. |
| Focus | Crop/livestock startups. |
Agri-Business Development Programme (ADP) – FMAFS Help to grow rural farms.
| Aspect | Details |
| Funding | ₦5-20 million for equipment and inputs. |
| Eligibility | Rural cooperatives/smallholders. |
| Apply | fmard.gov.ng; state ministry submissions. |
| Deadline | November 2025. |
| Impact | 30% yield boost in 2024 cohorts. |
Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN) From NSIA for growing farms.
| Aspect | Details |
| Funding | ₦500 million-₦5 billion investments. |
| Eligibility | Commercially viable agro-processors. |
| Apply | nsia.com.ng; pitch sessions. |
| Deadline | Q1 2026 calls. |
| Perk | Technical assistance. |
NG-CARES Programme – World Bank/Federal Help for farmers hurt by COVID.
| Aspect | Details |
| Funding | ₦100,000-₦500,000 per farmer. |
| Eligibility | FCT/rural smallholders affected by pandemic. |
| Apply | ng-cares.gov.ng; community verification. |
| Deadline | Phased to Dec 2025. |
Farmers for the Future (F4F) Grant Free help for young farm bosses.
| Aspect | Details |
| Funding | Up to ₦2 million plus mentorship. |
| Eligibility | Youth with scalable businesses. |
| Apply | afchub.org; online portal. |
| Deadline | Rolling. |
| Partner | Federal youth ministry. |
Summary of Program and Application links
| Program | Funding | Application Link |
| National Agricultural Development Fund (NADF) | Up to ₦50 million loans/grants at 9% interest. | https://nadf.gov.ng |
| Agricultural Credit Guarantee Scheme Fund (ACGSF) | 75% coverage up to ₦2 billion per beneficiary. | https://cbn.gov.ng |
| Youth and Enterprise in Agriculture Development Programme (YEIDEP) | ₦300,000–₦400,000 grants per youth farmer. | https://yeidep.org |
| The Green Money Project | Up to ₦1 million equity-free capital. | https://thegreenmoneyproject.ng |
| Agri-Business Development Programme (ADP) – FMAFS | ₦5–₦20 million for equipment and inputs. | https://fmard.gov.ng |
| Fund for Agricultural Finance in Nigeria (FAFIN) | ₦500 million–₦5 billion investments. | https://nsia.com.ng |
| NG-CARES Programme | ₦100,000–₦500,000 per farmer. | https://ng-cares.gov.ng |
| Farmers for the Future (F4F) Grant | Up to ₦2 million plus mentorship. | https://afchub.org |
How to Apply for Federal Agricultural Grants
Making applications for grants to farmers in Nigeria is now easier thanks to online portals. Follow these easy steps to boost your chances of getting approved:
Step 1: Identify the Right Grant
Visit the official websites of the government. Go to the table above, and select the appropriate grant for your farm’s or agribusiness’s requirements.
Step 2: Review Eligibility
Be sure to read all the requirements thoroughly. Verify if your age and type of business or project are in line with the guidelines of the program.
Step 3: Register Your Business
If you’re not registered yet, you must register your cooperative or farm in the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). It’s a requirement for federal grants.
Step 4: Prepare Your Business Plan
Write a 10- to 15-page business plan outlining your project goals, market target, and the expected outcomes. Include projections for financials and sustainability objectives.
Step 5: Gather Documents
Take care to collect the necessary documents—NIN/BVN, CAC certificate, land papers, and bank statement, as well as tax clearance.
Step 6: Apply Online
Send your application via an official portal. Upload all documents required and confirm your BVN to ensure transparency.
Step 7: Verification and Review
Expect verification on the field or telephone interviews in 4-8 weeks. Some programs might require an online course for a brief period of time.
Step 8: Approval and Disbursement
If the funds are approved, they will be released in a swath in a verified bank account. Keep track of every expenditure.
Step 9: Submit Reports
The majority of grants will require biannual reports regarding the progress of farms and their income.
Step 10: Scale and Reinvest
Profits from your business can be used to expand and recruit more employees. This will improve your eligibility to receive grants in the future.
Pro Tips: Get an endorsement letter from your local agricultural official or head of your cooperative. This increases the chances of success by 40%.
Amazing Success Stories of Federal Agricultural Grants
Real farmers with real results. In Oyo State, Amina Yusuf, who is 32, was granted YEIDEP’s N350,000 grant to start a cassava-processing unit that is currently exporting garri into Ghana with 20 female employees.
Kaduna’s Ibrahim Musa scaled his rice farm through NADF funding, doubling production to 50 tons per year using modern irrigation. “The grant turned my plot into a powerhouse,” he said.
Under the NG-CARES program, 12,423 farmers in FCT, such as Fatima Bello, were each awarded N200,000, which helped to revive poultry during economic growth. These stories illustrate the federal government’s agricultural grants and Nigeria‘s transformative power.
Tips to Get Approved
- Create a clearly written business plan detailing how your venture can benefit your community.
- Make an application early and then follow up frequently.
- Get involved in cooperatives of farmers for a simpler approval.
- Be sure you apply to several grants programs.
Conclusion:
Government agricultural aids from the Federal Government of Nigeria provide more than just a source of funding. They’re the engines for prosperity, helping farmers feed 220 million. From the NADF’s innovative programs to YEIDEP’s emphasis on youth, 2025’s allocation of N132 billion promises plenty. Make a move now: Go to official portals, fill out an application, and build a foundation for the possibility of success.
For more information on federal agricultural grants for Nigeria Loans, opportunities, and opportunities—read our blog.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who can apply for federal agricultural grants?
Any Nigerian citizen involved in farming, agribusiness, or food processing — especially youth and women.
2. Are these grants repayable?
No. They are mostly non-repayable or come with very low interest rates.
3. What is the maximum funding I can get?
You can access between ₦100,000 and ₦50 million, depending on your project size.
4. Do I need a CAC certificate to apply?
Yes, most programs require a registered business or cooperative.
5. How long does the application process take?
Typically 4–12 weeks, depending on the verification process.
6. Can I apply for more than one grant?
Yes, but ensure you meet each program’s specific rules and avoid duplicate submissions.
7. Is there an age limit?
Yes. Youth programs usually target applicants aged 18–35 years.
8. What are the most trusted websites for grant applications?
Visit fmard.gov.ng, nadf.gov.ng, and cbn.gov.ng.
9. Are cooperatives eligible?
Yes. Registered farmer groups and cooperatives can apply as a single entity.
10. What if my application is rejected?
You can reapply in the next cycle or contact your state agriculture office for assistance.