Kebbi Farmers Poised To Access Agric Loans

Farmers in Kebbi will benefit from the N1 billion loan being disbursed by the Federal Government under the Commercial Agriculture Credit Scheme (CACS).

Alhaji Ibrahim Aliyu, the state Deputy Governor, disclosed this on Thursday in Birnin Kebbi at the opening of a workshop for management staff of the scheme from the state and local governments.

He said the government had fulfilled the conditions stipulated by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to access the facility.

He expressed the hope that the loan would help the state boost production crops, livestock and fisheries, adding that it would also guarantee food security for the state.

According to Aliyu, judicious use of the facility by farmers will help to create employment, diversify the revenue base and attract foreign exchange.

The deputy governor gave assurance that the disbursement and utilisation of the loan would be effectively monitored by the government.

“We will not tolerate misappropriation of the loan and stakeholders must ensure prudent utilisation,” he warned.

In his remarks, Alhaji Sidi Bawa the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, said the workshop was organised to sensitise management staff of the scheme to collate, monitor and evaluate performance.

“Participants will be trained on prompt response to issues and challenges facing farmers’ associations and the communities at the state and local government levels”, he said.