Being Text of an Address by His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji (Dr.) Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON (Madauchin Doma), on the Occasion of the Presentation of Agricultural Loan Package to Farmers in Nasarawa State, Lafia, Thursday, 13th August, 2009

 PROTOCOLS:

I am happy to address you today on this occasion of the presentation of loan package to beneficiaries of the first phase of the agricultural and tractor loan components of the Bada Koshi Agricultural Scheme.

I am delighted to observe the large turn out at this occasion. This is no doubt a welcome development and a demonstration of your commitment to the determination of the State Government to boost agricultural production in the State.

Ladies and gentlemen, it would be recalled that a few weeks ago, I launched the Bada Koshi Agricultural Scheme at Garaku in Kokona Local Government Area of the State. At that occasion, I pointed out that the objectives of the Scheme, among others, is to stimulate, encourage and mobilize all and sundry to engage in agricultural production as the main economic activity of our people.

Our aim is to maximise food sufficiency, create employment opportunities, reduce poverty and create wealth. In this connection, I promised to support our farmers with necessary infrastructures and incentives, including loan guarantee.

My dear people of Nasarawa State, in fulfilment of this pledge, the State Government is acquiring 107 tractors, as well as obtaining a N1billion loan facility for our farmers. The first batch of these incentives shall be received today by Local Government Chairmen and Development Area Administrators, on behalf of the deserving beneficiaries from their areas.

The Chairmen and Administrators are hereby directed to arrange for smooth and quick disbursement of the loan package to the beneficiaries at their respective Headquarters on Tuesday, 18th August, 2009 at a similar ceremony. Appropriate State Government functionaries have been assigned to monitor and supervise the exercise throughout the State.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me point out that in selecting the beneficiaries of the loan package, Government was guided by the views and recommendations of the Apex Farmers Association in the State (AFAN), Local Government Chairmen, Administrators of Development Areas, and Traditional Rulers, among others. Particular attention was given to individuals, small, medium and large scale farmers, as well as farmer associations with good records of active engagement in agriculture. Encouraging attention has also been given to youth and women farmers.

Ladies and gentlemen, in this first batch of the loan disbursement for which we are here today, a total of 456 farmers and farmer groups across the State, shall benefit from a loan of N530 million.

Additionally, 52 tractors out of the 107 procured under Public Private Partnership arrangement between the Federal and State Governments and Afcott Nigeria Limited will be distributed to deserving farmers at 40% subsidy, in the ratio of Federal Government 25% and the State Government 15%.

The second batch of the tractor and loan disbursement shall follow in due course, and at an appropriate time.

At this juncture, I wish to acknowledge with gratitude and encouragement the contribution of three tractors by each of the 13 Local Governments Areas of the State, in support of the Bada Koshi Agricultural Scheme. The 39 tractors shall be appropriately distributed by the Councils to their farmers at the Local level ceremonies.

I need to point out that these loan packages are not charitable gifts. They must be repaid, as and when due, within three years. However, in order to cushion the effects of repayment, a one year moratorium has been granted to the beneficiaries. Other modalities of repayment have been worked out, details of which shall be communicated to those concerned appropriately.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me reiterate that agro service centres shall be established in each senatorial district in the State to facilitate proper maintenance of tractors and other farm implements at subsidised cost. The centres shall also provide easy access to farm inputs.

I cannot end this address without appealing to all the beneficiaries to utilise the loans for the purposes for which they have been granted. To do otherwise is to betray the confidence reposed in you by the State Government. You cannot afford to fail us in this endeavour. To this end, adequate measures have been put in place to monitor, evaluate and guide your performance.

Ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to once again express the appreciation of the Government and people of Nasarawa State to the Federal Government, Local Government Councils, Development Area Committees, Traditional Rulers and other stakeholders for partnering with us in this initiative. It is my hope that this partnership will engender growth and development in the State for the good of all.

I assure you all, that this Administration will continue to implement policies and programmes that will transform and improve the socio-economic fortunes of our people.

On this note, it is now my pleasure to present a total loan package of 91 tractors and N530million to Local Government Chairmen and Administrators of Development Areas for onward disbursement to the beneficiaries in their respective areas.

Thank you and God bless.