From Julius B. Kezi, Kaduna
Farmers’ cooperative societies under the Anchor/Borrowers Agricultural programme in Kaduna state have been assured of Federal and Kaduna State Governments commitment to the success of the programme.
An off-taker of the programme, Alhaji Samaila Barau Falke gave the assurance while fielding questions from newsmen in Kafanchan during the week.
Barau explained that the programme was geared towards implementation and improvement of Agriculture by the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria, to diversify and improve the economy of the country.
According to Barau, though the execution of the programme was slowed down by some challenges, and owing to the fact that it was the first of its kind, farming of four core crops, the soy beans, maize, millet and rice have been done and all needed inputs were distributed to beneficiaries, while cash distribution will be done soon.
On Ginger farming, Barau explained that it has been extended to suit cultivation period of the produce.
He appealed to farmers to exercise patience and follow due process to benefit from the programme, assuring that Government was committed to direct funding, and input, distribution through extention services as well as scouting for markets for the commodities.
Commending Government and the Central Bank for initiating the programme, which he described as laudable, Alh. Falke urged farmers to give maximum support to surmount all challenges that could undermine the success of the programme.
One of the Beneficiaries, Alhaji Kabiru Mohammed Lelele lauded the initiative but complained of its slow execution, especially in the area of distribution of funds.
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