RSG To Stimulate Agric With N4bn Loan

The Rivers State Government has announced its plan to leverage on N4billion loan agric loan from Bank of Industry (BOI) to stimulate agriculture production in the state.
The plans was made public last Weekend during an Exhibition and Town Hall Meeting organised in collaboration with stakeholders in Port Harcourt.
Speaking through a representative in the State Ministry of Agruculture the state governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara said the plan forms part of the vision of his addictions to drive the agric sector and boost food production.
He assured that the Fubara that his administration would support production of food, creation of jobs and empowerment of young people in the state through agriculture.
“This is expected to ensure direct foreign investments in agricultural production and processing to create agro business opportunities, generate employment and develop local agricultural enterpreneurs,” the governor said.
Calling on farmers to tap into the new vision of the government, he assured that the fund would help in providing equipment, fertilizer and expert support for farmers.
“For this administration food security is essential for a virile and stable state” he added.
Also speaking, Nneweli of Emohua and Chairman of Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers, HRM Sergeant Awuse has described agriculture as the new economy that will drive development in the state.
Eze Awuse said:” No nation can advance without agriculture” as he maintained that” we need to embrace agriculture to grow our economy and the youths need to exploit the opportunities in agriculture.”
On his part, National President of Cat Fish and Allied Fish Farmers (CAFFAN), Yusuf Mustapha says Rivers State has huge advantage in fish farming.
He said time has come for diversification of the economy through agriculture, stating that products from farming can move the nation away from dependence on crude oil.
Mustapha pleaded on the state government to provide loans and support to farmers so that production will be high to generate livelihoods to the population.

By: Kevin Nengia