Jigawa Govt. spends N439m on farm cluster scheme
NAN-AE-12
Agriculture
By Rabiu Sani Ali
Hadejia (Jigawa), Nov. 10, 2016 (NAN) The Jigawa State Government said on Thursday that it had spent N439 million on farm cluster scheme to accelerate rice production in the state.
Gov Badaru Abubakar of Jigawa said this at the distribution of farm inputs to farmers under the Anchor Borrower Initiative for rice and wheat cultivation in Hadejia.
Abubakar said that some 15, 000 farmer groups were registered in 287 clusters.
He said that the government had distributed fertiliser, seeds and farm inputs to the farmers during the last cropping season.
Abubakar disclosed that some 15, 000 hectares of land were cultivated; adding that about 30 groups had repaid N57 million loan given to them.
The governor explained that additional clusters would be established to enhance participation in the programme.
“We are geared toward creating an enabling environment to encourage outgrower scheme and promote financial discipline in farm cluster programme,” he said.
The governor said that the state government had adopted practical measures to increase yield production per hectare from 2.5 to 8 tonnes.
Abubakar said that the state planned to cultivate 1.2 million tonnes of rice and also earmarked 50, 000 hectares for wheat cultivation in 2017 farming season.
The governor commended the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria over the Anchor Borrower programme.
In his remark, Chief Audu Ogbeh, Minister of Agriculture, said the Federal Government had initiated various programmes to transform agriculture.
Ogbeh said the measure was imperative to diversify the economy and reduce dependence on oil.
Also commenting, the Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emiefele, pledged support to the state government to ensure sustainability of programme.
NAN reports that some of the farming tools distributed included 4,325 manual sprayers, 200 thrashers, 30 mobile mechanic workshops, 1, 000 water pumps, 200 milling machines and 529 mini harvesters. (NAN)
RSA/YMU/AFA
Edited by Felix Ajide
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