More than eight thousand small-scale farmers drawn from all the twenty-one local government areas of Kebbi State have been shortlisted to enjoy the Fadama component of the NG-Cares programme. The programme, is a tripartite scheme financed by the World Bank, the Federal Government and the Kebbi State Government to assist small-scale farmers to cushion the effect of the covid-19 pandemic on agriculture.
Under the arrangement, Kebbi State Government would receive a loan of twenty million US dollars but would disburse the money to beneficiaries as a grant.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abba Sani Kalgo made this explanation at a news briefing on the outcome of a meeting with the Commissioner for Local Government and all the twenty-one local government Chairmen, chaired by Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu at Government House, Birnin Kebbi, this Wednesday.
Dr. Abba Kalgo said Kebbi State Government has completed processes for the take-off of the programme which is primarily centred on food security, Fadama Cultivation, Access Roads, Livestock Production, Fisheries and provision of Agricultural Input.
He added that part of the proceeds would be used to construct five kilometres of road in each of the local government areas of the State towards facilitating the movement of farm produce and livestock.
The Commissioner further explained that all farmers cultivating a variety of crops as well as those engaged in livestock production and fishery were eligible to benefit from the grant.
Dr. Abba Kalgo announced that Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu who is highly committed to the progress of Kebbi State in all facets of development has mandated the ministry and relevant authorities to work out sustainability strategies for the continuation of the scheme after the expiration of the two-year period designed for the programme.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Hassan Muhammad Shalla, led the local Government Chairmen and Directors of Agriculture for local Government Councils to the meeting with Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.
He told newsmen that the forum dwelt on Agricultural development in all ramifications under the NG-Cares programme.
Shalla made it clear that Governor Atiku Bagudu has made emphasis on the consolidation of the successes recorded by Kebbi State on agricultural revival by boosting production of both food and cash crops as well as animal husbandry and fish farming.
By Arewa Reporters