By VINCENT UJUMADU
AWKA — ANAMBRA State government began yesterday the distribution of N1 billion to farmers in the state under the agricultural loan scheme.
Governor Peter Obi flagged off the distribution to the third batch of beneficiaries at the Women Development Centre, Awka.
At the ceremony, N525 million was distributed to 288 co-operatives societies and 273 individual farmers.
The state government had earlier distributed N418 million to 165 cooperative societies and 166 individuals.
Governor Obi said that the empowerment was in line with the interest his administration had on agriculture.
According to him, the loan will assist the farmers to increase productivity, as well as create employment opportunities in the drive towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals, MDGs.
Describing small scale farmers as indispensable in building and sustaining the agricultural sector, Obi enjoined them to ensure prompt repayment of the loan to enable other farmers benefit.
In his speech, Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Ndubisi Menakaya, said the state agricultural policy was geared towards developing the sector into a viable business, with a view to moving from subsistence to mechanised farming in order to attract investors who would help expand the sector.
Menakaya explained that the state would soon take delivery of 100 tractors.
He also said one of the biggest poultry farms in Africa was among big time farmers that would soon invest in the state.
Comments are moderated. Please keep them clean and brief.