The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has commenced farm mapping exercise for Verified Anchor Borrowers’ Subscribers across the 20 Local Government Areas in Ogun State.
The exercise is a crucial phase of the programme, aimed at authenticating claims of verified subscribers as regards farmland areas earlier indicated in their different council areas, whereby a minimum one hectare of farmland would be allotted to each subscriber.
The State Chairman, Anchor Borrowers Steering Committee, Professor Bola Okuneye, while addressing different clusters of farmers at Trade Fair Complex, Oke-Mosan and Ita-Eko, Abeokuta, on Wednesday, said the present verified farmers are those who have farmlands in different parts of the State to kick-start cassava planting, being the model state for cassava production in the country.
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He added that those who do not have farmlands would soon be allotted lands by the State government, submitting that the first phase of the scheme would capture farmers approved by the CBN, assuring that extension officers will monitor them towards maximum yields.
“What we are doing basically is capturing and mapping of the farmers and their BVN is also needed, while provision is made for local farmers to open account and issued BVN. We have visited farms of verified subscribers in about 11 Local Governments and it is still ongoing. Those without land, government will release one hectare per intended farmer who had been clustered, after which funds will be released to their various accounts, being opened because the monies will not be given to them directly,” he said.
Okuneye assured farmers of security of their farmlands from invasion by herders and the availability of ready markets after harvest, promising that off-takers would purchase the produce from their farms, saying prices have been regulated and agreed upon.
The Project Manager and Secretary of the Ogun State Anchor Borrowers’ Steering Committee, Taiwo Ayansanwo, advised farmers who are yet to register to do so in their various local government of residence, assuring that agriculture officers are still working assiduously to capture intending subscribers.
“Registration is still ongoing. Interested farmers who are yet to register or who have not opened their bank accounts and BVN should go to their various local government as the bank officials are still there to register them,” she urged.
Responding, a farmer from Abeokuta South Local Government, Josiah Tanimowo, said the process had been marvellous, noting that it has given them a huge sigh of relief.
“Our people have been commending the government because, in the past, we have heard of so many programmes which were designed to favour some sections of the people but the narratives have indeed changed now. The government should please sustain this,” he appealed.
A farmer, Semiu Sodiya from Odeda Local Government, submitted that the way the programme is being coordinated was commendable, expressing hope that the scheme would guarantee farmers optimum outputs at the end of the farming season.
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