Ogun disburses N100m to farmers

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Targets food sufficiency and employment in the agriculture sector


Targets food sufficiency and employment in the agriculture sectorThe Ogun state government has disbursed over N100 million to farmers in the state in its effort to make the state the food basket of the nation.

According to the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Ayo Olubori, the fund which was disbursed to farmers under the aegis of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Ogun State Chapter, was part of the N1bilion loan which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) earmarked for Agricultural development in the State.

While speaking in Ilaro during a tour of Yewa South Local Council, the commissioner said the disbursement was done having applied rigorous modalities to ensure that serious and competent farmers were given opportunity and empowerment that would boost the agricultural productivity and contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Olubori, who said that the loans were disbursed in batches to ensure genuineness, disclosed that the loans were only disbursed to genuine and interested farmers in the state to provide employment opportunities for the youths, especially in the rural areas.

He explained that the government was not in a hurry to disburse the loan, but was determined to ensure its effective utilisation.

While commenting on the Federal Government’s assistance to farmers in the state, Olubori said, “again we are looking at what Federal Government is doing in recognition of the potentials of Ogun State in Agriculture, there are various irrigation systems at Oke Odan, Eggua and the one that we will start very soon at Ilobi, Erinja wards in Imeko Afon Local Government.”

Although not certain of the number of people that would be employed under the scheme, Olubori said “we will have to look at the chain effect and the multiplying effect when you stimulate agricultural production. Indirectly, you are also stimulating industrialisation, which will also employ people as well.”

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