CBN supports 5,676 Bauchi wheat producers

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) distributed fertilizers and agricultural inputs to 5,676 wheat farmers in Bauchi State for 2021 dry season agriculture under its Anchor Borrower Program.

While distributing the items to beneficiaries in Zirma Bakin, Kogi village, in the state’s Warji local government area, CBN Development Finance Officer (DFO), Bauchi Zonal Office, Aminu Haruna, said that farmers of the state had been selected to participate in the program to accelerate wheat cultivation.

He said ‘the bank had a plan for 15,000 wheat farmers in the state, adding that the bank introduced wheat cultivation in the Anchor Borrower Program with a view to improving food security in Nigeria’.

The CBN introduced wheat cultivation to help small farmers grow wheat to improve food security in the country.

“We are targeting 15,000 wheat growers in Bauchi state. Now we have the first batch here and other batches will also come soon,” he said.

Haruna added that the wheat cultivation program was being implemented by CBN, in collaboration with the Wheat Producers, Processors and Traders Association of Nigeria (WFPMAN).

Speaking at the event, WFPMAN state coordinator Ibrahim Sadiq noted that the agricultural inputs distributed by CBN to farmers were intended to enable them to improve their productivity.

According to him, each of the beneficiary farmers received items, including fertilizers, seeds and various chemicals, worth 360,000 naira to cultivate one hectare of land.

While saying that the idea behind the distribution of the items was to boost wheat production in the country, Sadiq revealed that beneficiary farmers were expected to repay the loan in kind upon harvest.

“The idea is to boost wheat production. It is the second largest consumer of our currencies, apart from oil. So, we need to cultivate and we must feed ourselves, “he said.

Meanwhile, Warji district chief Alhaji Alhasan Samaila-Boyi warned beneficiary farmers against diversion of inputs.

NEWSLODGE