NSDC to integrate outgrower farmers into sugar supply chain

Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer, National Sugar Development Council (NSDC), Mr. Kamar Bakrin  revealed that the council has created opportunities for inclusive economic growth by integrating outgrower farmers into the sugar industry’s supply chain and the introduction of Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP).

He disclosed this during the launch of the Sugarcane Outgrower Development Programme (SODP) in Abuja, stating that the aim is to boost local production, to also complement the output of existing large-scale sugar estates and help close the national supply gap.

It is also designed for local sugarcane cultivation, reduces Nigeria’s dependence on sugar imports, and creates opportunities for inclusive economic growth.Bakrin said, “The programme is a key component of the Nigeria Sugar Master Plan (NSMP II) and has been designed to scale up local sugarcane production, reduce the nation’s reliance on imports, and stimulate inclusive economic growth, particularly within rural communities.“This is a pioneering initiative for Nigeria’s sugar sector. For the first time, a structured outgrower development programme will formally integrate farmers at all levels into the national sugar value chain. This campaign is about reaching every stakeholder, from large-scale operators to smallholder farmers, and ensuring that everyone has a fair opportunity to contribute to Nigeria’s journey towards self-sufficiency in sugar production.“The SODP, will empower participating farmers through guaranteed offtake agreements by ensuring market access,  access to quality seed cane and inputs, technical support and structured training programmes and adoption of sustainable land and water use practices”.

Speaking, Mrs. Lade Offurum, Head of Out-Grower Management explained that the SODP will engage three key categories of farmers, agribusinesses and commercial farmers cultivating 50–500+ hectares, farming cooperatives, who can apply as organised clusters of between 30 and 50 hectares, and individual farmers or friends willing to jointly farm clusters of 30+ hectares.

She advised interested participants to reach out to the NSDC through email, adding that the application will close on the 21st of November, 2025. With the launch of the SODP, NSDC continues to deliver on the objectives of the NSMP II, accelerating investments in local production, empowering farmers, and advancing Nigeria’s vision for a globally competitive sugar industry.