From Olanrewaju Lawal, Ilorin
The Kwara state government, on Monday, disbursed N215 million loan to 172 farmers, who will serve as change agents in their various communities.
While disbursing cheques to the beneficiaries at the Banquet Hall in Ilorin, the state Governor, Alhaji Abdul Fatah Ahmed stressed government’s commitment to the establishment of an agro-business culture that would drive the state’s economy.
He explained that the 172 lead farmers were the core of his administration’s model of ten out grower farmers per local government who will receive funds to expand their businesses because they have proven the capacity to drive agro-businesses, adding that they will partner large farming concerns that will guarantee a steady demand for crops planted by them even before they are harvested.
Reacting on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Oloyede, thanked Governor Ahmed for a promise fulfilled, pledging strict adherence to terms and conditions of the loan in order to allow other potential beneficiaries to be accommodated in the scheme.
The state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr Anthony Towoju, in his address, said the farmers were expected to plant maize, rice, soya beans and cassava as part of efforts to turn around the future of agriculture in Kwara state.
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