The Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), which received assistance from the Federal Government and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), initiated the distribution of inputs to Rice and Cassava farmers in Taraba. The primary aim of this endeavor, as stated by Mr. Irrimia Musa, the state coordinator of the program, is to uplift the livelihoods of impoverished farmers and enhance food production in response to the looming threats of hunger caused by the removal of fuel subsidies and the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria.

The distribution of inputs is targeted at 551 rice and cassava farmers across eight participating local governments in Taraba, including Ardo-kola, Bali, Donga, Gassol, Jalingo, Karim-Lamido, Takum, and Wukari. Each farmer will receive support for cultivating one or two hectares, in accordance with their submitted and approved business plans. Under the Matching Grant Model, the benefiting farmers will contribute 50% of the total cost of the allocated inputs, while the VCDP will cover the remaining 50%.

Prof. Nicholas Oliver, the Taraba State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, assured full support from the government of Governor Agbu Kefas for the success of IFAD-VCDP's efforts in the state. He praised the Federal Government and IFAD for their initiative and encouraged the benefiting farmers to make the best use of the provided inputs to achieve the desired outcomes.

Among the benefiting farmers, Hajiya Adama Abubakar and Nemsiu Bako expressed their commitment to utilizing the inputs for their intended purpose. They pledged to make the most of the support they have received from the program.