Uyo – Farmers in Akwa Ibom have lauded the Federal Government for the release of the agricultural loan to help boost rice production in the state.
The farmers made the commendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Uyo on Friday.
They maintained that the loan was a welcome development geared towards agricultural transformation in the country.
Mr Okon James, a farmer from Ibiono Ibom, expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for its effort in diversifying the economy from oil sector through Agricultural Sector.
“I really thank the Federal Government and CBN for the disbursement of the funds to the various cooperative societies in the state.
“I also thank the state government for helping farmers in the state to key into the economic diversification agenda of the present government,’’ James said.
According to him, economic diversification agenda of the present administration will go a long way to reduce the huge amount of money spent on rice importation.
He explained that he was in the state capital with members of his cooperative society to process the necessary forms that would allow him benefit from the scheme.
“I came with members of my cooperative society to fill the necessary form to enable get the loan,” he said.
Another farmer, Mr Edet Dianabasi in Uyo, commended the Federal Government for the Agricultural loan, saying that in the present reality Agriculture remains the last option for the sustenance of the country.
He thanked the state government for mobilising the farmers to form cooperative societies in the state to participate in the programme.
Dianabasi noted that the loan would help the farmers improve their outputs in the state.
Mr Emmanuel Jackson, a farmer in Uyo expressed optimistic that the grants when given, would make farmers to be self-reliant and reduce unemployment.
According to him, diversification of the economy by accessing agriculture loan will not only empower the farmers but it will improve the economy of the country.
NAN recalls that CBN had approved the disbursement of N75 billion as loan to farmers in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory under the Nigeria Risk Sharing in Agricultural Lending.
NAN reports that state government through the Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Matthew Ekaette, had earlier told the farmers in the state to form cooperative societies to access the agricultural funds. (NAN)