Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
No fewer than 250,000 farmers have so far received training on good agronomic practices under Central Bank of Nigeria CBN) Anchor Borrowers program.
This was disclosed by the chairman Flour Milling Association of Nigeria, (FMAN) Mr John G. Coumantarous while delivering his speech at flagging-off of Jigawa wheat farmers brown field day organized by CBN in collaboration with FMAN held at Gabarin village area of Ringim local government Jigawa state.
Mr John who was represented by Mr Segun Folade, explained that,as part of FMAN effort to expand wheat production, 504 demonstration farms already put into cultivation each on 0.5 hectre across the 15 northern states to provide training on good agronomic practices to 250,000 Farmers under CBN.
He said, the association also expanded direct outgrower program with input loans to cover over 2,000 Farmers and expansion of seed production with six certified seed companies, Research trials among many other programs.
The Chairman then insisted that, transforming wheat production in Nigeria requires a strong vision backed by clear roles and responsibilities for all stakeholders.
While speaking at the event, the governor Central Bank of Nigeria Mr Goodwin Emifiele who was represented by CBN Dutse branch controller, Hajiya Sa’adatu Ibrahim Aminu said, the initiative is part of Federal government to boost farming business as well as to create more job opportunities among the teeming youths in the country.
The branch controller maintained that, Central Bank support over 150,000 wheat Farmers from fifteen northern states including Jigawa, Katsina, Kano,Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, Yobe among other northern states.
Hajiya Sa’adatu then commended FMAN for its commitments towards improvement of wheat production in Nigeria adding that, CBN is ready to do more for food security and economic development.
Also speaking, the Jigawa state governor who was represented by his deputy Alhaji Umar Namadi said, their administration supported Farmers with needed as according to him farming now turn to major profits business in the state.
He then promised to continue supporting Farmers for more job creation and of economic growth in the state.
