Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed on Monday flagged-off the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) in the State.
The governor said the flag off was a demonstration of his administration’s resolve to pursue an agricultural policy that is farmer friendly. He disclosed that about 3,000 small holder farmers across the State are to benefit from the programme.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Adegoke Bamidele, Governor Ahmed said the scheme was initiated by the federal government through CBN as an agricultural intervention to help farmers boost production.
He said the N1b loan from the CBN will further drive his government’s initiatives in agriculture and empower more local farmers engaged in rice, maize, soyabeans and cassava production in the state.
The governor added that immediately after the flag off, a capacity building training workshop will commence for all the farmers before the disbursement of the loan.
He also revealed that prior to the flag-off, a Project Management Team (PMT) was inaugurated, town hall meetings where the required economics of productions for the four crops were approved were organized and input vendors were also screened.
Governor Ahmed urged the beneficiaries to abide by the rules and ensure that all the conditions of the loan are strictly followed. He added that state will not condone misuse of fund or any attempt to embark on side selling of produce.
He assured all farmers and farming communities in the State of government’s continued support to them in their effort to produce more food and raw materials for industries.
Two of the beneficiaries, Babatunde Gbadamosi, a cassava farmer from Asa local government and Kadijat Hamzat, a rice farmer from Edu local government appreciated the government for initiating the programme and promised to effectively utilize the loan that will be given to them after the training.
Packaged by Rahman Salami
