Makurdi – Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue on Thursday launched the distribution of agricultural loan to 20,000 farmers across the state organised by Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in conjunction with the Benue Government.
Speaking at the occasion, Ortom said that his government has mapped out strategies aimed at creating jobs and wealth for the people of the state.
According to the governor, 30, 000 jobs are expected to be generated in the state through agro based scheme.
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Benson Abounu, the governor stated that loans would also be given to more farmers to encourage them to venture into mechanised farming to boost food security.
He enjoined the beneficiaries to use the loan for the purpose for which they were meant, stressing that it was a loan and not a grant.
The governor also said that the state government was ready to encourage all-year-round farming.
He added that this would be beneficial to both the farmers and the society at large because it would help farmers to improve on their productivity and revenue.
”This programme is a deliberate attempt by this government to key into the diversification strategy of the Federal Government,” he said.
The Branch Controller of CBN in Benue, Mr Abba Baba, in his remarks said that the choice of Benue was deliberate because the state was strategic in food production in the country.
Baba said that the loan was targeted at small farm holders with emphasis on rice, soyabeans and sesame.
He noted that the programme was also aimed at improving loan facilities to farmers to enable them improve on their yields and to reduce poverty.
Baba also enjoined farmers to make best use of the opportunity. (NAN)
