FARMERS TO RECEIVE ZERO-INTEREST LOANS, FREE INPUTS IN 2020 WET SEASON —FG
The Federal Government has revealed that it would support farmers with interest-free loans and agricultural inputs as a way to cushion the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the flooding in some parts of the country.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Sabo Nanono made this known while receiving the 2020 Wet Season Agricultural Performance Survey Report (APSR).
He noted that the support would be piloted through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and other financial institutions.
His words: “The ministry would support the farmers with agricultural inputs and zero-interest loans, through the Central Bank of Nigeria and other financial institutions to mitigate the effect of COVID-19 and the recent flooding in Kebbi, Jigawa and Kano States.’’
He, however, called on Nigerian farmers to intensify efforts and focus on achieving more successes during the dry season farming in order to cushion the losses occasioned by the pandemic.
The yearly Agricultural Performance Survey Report (APSR) was presented to the Minister by the National Agricultural Extension and Research Liaison Services (NAERLS).
Nanono commended the committee for a detailed report, adding that it was timely and will guide the ministry and farmers in planning and preparing ahead of the commencement of the dry season farming.
