British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) has inaugurated the second phase of its impactful rice farming support programme in Ebonyi State.

The event, centered on the distribution of vital farming inputs, highlights the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening food systems, promoting sustainable livelihoods, and empowering smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

In 2024, BATN Foundation supported 400 smallholder rice farmers across four communities in the State, which are 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.

In 2025, the Foundation’s efforts are 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, and other essential inputs to 200 farmers, selected from the initial cohort for this planting season, with the aim to cultivate at least 20 hectares of rice.

Looking ahead, BATN 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. Such steps are crucial in creating resilient farming communities capable of weathering climatic and market challenges.

The General Manager of BATNF, Oludare Odusanya, emphasised the importance of grassroots empowerment, noting that the 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 stated.

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

He emphasised that since 2002, BATNF has invested over N4 billion in rural agricultural development, positively impacting over 1.7 million farmers nationwide.

According to him, the Foundation’s strategic focus continues to be on elevating smallholder farmers’ productivity while fostering sustainable practices that secure their livelihoods long-term.

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

“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 affirmed.