Federal Government Opens FarmerMoni Application Portal for Wet Season Funding
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched the application window for the FarmerMoni Scheme, marking a significant step in agricultural financing for the upcoming wet season. This initiative provides small-scale and vulnerable farmers across all six geopolitical zones with access to interest-free loans of up to N300,000.
Under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), FarmerMoni is specifically designed to strengthen smallholder farmers, enhance agricultural productivity, and promote grassroots economic growth. The programme allows beneficiaries to obtain essential farming inputs including high-quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern equipment without the burden of interest payments.
Key Features and Benefits of the FarmerMoni Scheme
The FarmerMoni programme incorporates several distinctive features that make it particularly accessible to Nigeria's agricultural community:
- Zero-interest loans ranging up to N300,000 for qualified applicants
- Three-month repayment moratorium before installments begin
- Nationwide coverage across all states and geopolitical zones
- No collateral requirements for loan approval
- Special focus on women, youth, and vulnerable groups in agricultural communities
Official Application Process and Eligibility
Eligible farmers are directed to register exclusively through the official Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme portal at geep.nsipa.gov.ng. Agricultural authorities have issued strong warnings against using unofficial platforms or third-party agents to prevent misinformation and potential fraud.
The programme has been strategically launched to coincide with both dry and wet farming seasons, demonstrating the government's commitment to year-round agricultural support. This timing ensures farmers can access necessary resources precisely when they need them for optimal crop production.
Broader Context of Government Empowerment Programmes
FarmerMoni operates within the broader framework of GEEP, a social investment initiative developed to serve over 37 million Nigerians at the base of the economic pyramid. These individuals engage in active commercial activities but have historically lacked access to formal credit facilities.
The programme specifically targets traders, artisans, farmers, petty traders, tricycle operators, and various micro-service providers across Nigerian communities. The Bank of Industry (BOI) serves as the executing agency for GEEP programmes, ensuring professional financial management and oversight.
Other complementary programmes within the GEEP framework include MarketMoni, which offers loans between N50,000 and N100,000 for established micro-enterprises, and TraderMoni, designed as microcredit for petty traders and artisans who may not meet stricter eligibility requirements for larger loans.
The Federal Government has reinforced its commitment to youth empowerment through parallel initiatives like the Nigeria Jubilee Fellows Programme (NJFP), which provides 12-month paid internships for fresh graduates across reputable organizations nationwide. Programme officials have confirmed that previous applications remain valid under the new phase, eliminating the need for reapplication.
Agricultural experts emphasize that timely application is crucial for farmers seeking to benefit from this renewed initiative. The FarmerMoni Scheme represents a strategic investment in Nigeria's agricultural sector, aiming to boost productivity, enhance food security, and stimulate economic empowerment at the community level throughout the country.
