By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
Niger State government has earmarked N2 billion for disbursement to women farmers in the state through the recently established Agricultural Micro Credit Agency.
The Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Agriculture, Matthew Ahmed stated this Thursday at the flagoff of distribution of farm inputs to farmers by One Acre Fund in KampalaareaofMinna.
He said, “Niger State has established the Niger State Micro Credit Agency. The agency is going to function as a bank, just like macrofinance bank. It is aimed at promoting agriculture by providing credit facilities to farmers especially women farmers. About N2bn has been earmarked as capital base and credit facility for the benefit of eligible farmers “.
He explained that only women farmers associations or clusters are eligible to apply for credit facility from the agency, adding that, ” individual applications will not be entertained “.
While extending Niger State government appreciations to One Acre Fund for its 8 years interventions in providing agricultural inputs credit to farmers in the state, the Permanent Secretary said government is also impressed with the tree planting programme by the fund.
In a remark, the Country Director, of One Acre Fund in Nigeria, Adetola Adegbite explained that the number of farmers beneficiaries in the state has increased from 150 to 600, 000 within the period of 8 years.
He said that the One Acre Fund has in addition to providing fertilizers and other inputs expanded to include programmes that would add value to farmers produce for higher economic benefits.
