Ogun Comissioner for Agriculture, Adepeju Adebajo, has said that farmers in the state are not maximising the loan provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) targeted at elevating and helping farming businesses in the country.
She stated this at a one-day workshop organised by Vanguard Pharmaceuticals in conjunction with ADAMORE Nigeria Limited to train farmers across the state.
Adebajo said the loan under the scheme tagged “Anchor Borrower Programme” is an initiative of the apex bank to promote agriculture productivity, adding that the Bank is not happy with farmers in the state for not taking advantage of the loan to boost agriculture development.
The commissioner represented by a Director in the ministry, Mr.Tunji Kanimodo, appealed to the farmers to form cooperative groups for them to have access to the loan.
“Farmers can benefit from the programme by forming cooperative groups after which they can then approach the CBN here in Abeokuta for a loan of N 1million naira at least.
“You need offers like this to improve on your businesses, for instance Ogun state is under producing chickens which has propel industries which need chicken to go as far as Benin Republic to get chicken, but if you get loans like this, then, you will increase your poultry productivity and you will earn more.
While delivering his welcome address the Chief host of the workshop who also doubles as the Chief Executive Officer of Vanguard Pharmaceuticals, Mr Odukoya Taofik, however enjoined the farmers to face the business squarely adding that farming business can never suffer in Nigeria.
His words, ”I want to appreciate you all for choosing this noble business and I want to advise you to face it seriously and let it be run as a business that it is but in the modern way.
“Believe me, as far as humans will not stop eating food, farming business can never suffer in Nigeria except you are not getting it right, but for you to always get it right, that is why we are organizing programmes like this for you.
Corroborating the submission of the chief host the led speaker Mr Abiodun Abiola added that farming entails dedication and resilience.