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By Takuruku Emmanuel, Lafia
Governor, Abdullah Sulw of Nasarawa state has flagged off the disbursement of $250, 000 World Bank facilitated Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) loan to 620 farmers in 10 communities of the state.
Speaking during the event held yesterday in Doma, governor Sule said that the disbursement was in line with the vision of the state and Federal Govern to support farmers to boost production of farm produce.
He said that the state government had recently distributed 23 tractors and farm inputs to 10, 000 farmers in the state to support farming.
The governor said that the ACReSAL loan is a revolving and interest free to farmers aimed at boosting agricultural output and improving the livelihood of the beneficiaries.
Sule aid that the 10 benefiting communities were from Doma and Toto Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state., saying climate change has brought so many challenges to the environment as well as the livelihood of farmers.
He said that his administration would continue to collaborate with partners to provide resources and support that would cushion the effect of climate change and tackle poverty in the state.
“To this end, We are partnering with the Federal Government, World Bank through ACReSAL project help vulnerable communities to adopt to the impact of climate change”
“We expect this support to lead to food security, improve income of the communities and generate employment”
“Enhance farmers and communities capacity for climate smart agriculture through technology and innovation and enhance understanding of sustainable agricultural practices to help address conflicts,”
While expresseing happiness for the selection of Nasarawa State among the piloting state, Sule pledged the willingness of his administration to support farmers to implement community climate resilient initiatives beyond the lifespan of the ACReSAL project.
On her part, Dr Joy Iganya-Agene- Task Team Leader ACReSAL said that 620 farmers comprising 367 male and 253 female from the 10 communities of the two LGAs were given the free interest agricultural loan.
Iganya-Agene who is also a Senior Environmental Specialist World Bank Nigeria Office said five communities from each of the two LGA benefited from the loan.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Aliyu Ogah, Andoma of Doma expressed gratitude to the state government and the organisation for the gesture to farmers in his domain.
The monarch expressed hope that the support would improve the lot of farmers in the benefiting communities and the state at large, assring that the funds oukd be used for tye purpose intended.