The Nasarawa State Government has launched the agricultural loan component of the Bada Koshi Agriculture Scheme in Lafia.

Performing the ceremony in Lafia, the Governor, Aliyu Akwe Doma, said the launching was in fulfillment of the pledge he made earlier on to support farmers with necessary infrastructures and incentives, including loan guarantee.

According to the Governor, in fulfillment of this pledge, the State Government is acquiring 107 tractors, as well as obtaining a N1billion loan facility for the farmers. He stated that the aim is to maximise food sufficiency, create employment opportunities, reduce poverty and create wealth.

The ceremony which witnessed a large gathering is coming after the launching of the Bada Koshi Agricultural Scheme in Nasarawa State and the Yam export programme in the United Kingdom.

Under the first phase of the scheme, a total of 456 farmers and farmer groups across the State, will benefit from a loan of N530 million. Similarly, 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 loan packages were handed over to Local Government Chairmen and Development Area Administrators for onward disbursement to the beneficiaries.