Delta State Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural resources, Hon. Austine Chikezie has called on farmers in the state to, as a matter of urgency, change their negative orientation towards loan repayment, stressing that the era of assuming that government assisted loan benefits are free is over.
Chikezie said the current political administration of the state is determined to encourage all farmers in accessing loans from donor or financial agencies, but noted that government can no longer condone the poor attitude of individuals who have failed to appreciate the good intentions of the state government.
The Commissioner spoke on Thursday, during the 2016 World Food Day celebration held at the Cenotaph in Asaba, the state capital. The theme of the global event was “Climate is Changing. Food and Agriculture Must Too”.
“This administration is determined to encourage all farmers in the state to access all available agricultural credits that will be due to farmers in the nation from any donor or financial agency.
“However, I wish to appeal to all farmers to change their orientation toward loan repayment. The era of assuming that government assisted loan benefits are free is over. Your commitment to loan repayment will enable loan recycling go further to other beneficiaries”, he observed.
He disclosed that prior to the emergence of the current administration, agricultural extension activities were at lowest ebbs, adding that at present, the state government has reinvigorated its Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) which is an extension arm of the Ministry of Agricultural and Natural Resources.
He revealed that “95 extension officers, including Extension Agents and Block Supervisors have been trained to provide and disseminate improved farming and farm management methods to farmers in the state”, adding that 95 motorcycles have been approved for purchase to ensure the effective service delivery of extension officers.
“In order to facilitate the ease of doing agricultural business in Delta State, a Land Information Bank was developed as a guide to investors for agricultural investment and management adversary services in the state.
“Also, a brochure on opportunities for agricultural investment in the state has been developed to assist investors on areas of interest. 1000 copies of the brochure have been printed and available for distribution”, Chikezie further said.
Insight
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