Katsina State government has commenced the distribution of special animal traction and loan to 420 small scale farmers across the state.
The state governior, Alhaji Ibrahim Shema said that the beneficiaries of the scheme were selected from 12 Local Government Areas.
Represented by Alhaji Abdullahi Garba , his Deputy, Shema said each beneficiary would receive two oxen, a plough, a ridge, an ox-cart and N200,000 interest-free loans payable in four years.
“The loan facility is aimed at assisting small scale farmers in the state toward improving their productivity.
“Just as the government assisted large and medium scale farmers with tractors and loan, it resolves to extend the loan facility to the ordinary farmers for enhanced agricultural growth of the state,” he said.
The governor expressed the state government’s continued commitment to the development of the agricultural sector.
According to him, the government is providing various interventions to boost the sector and attract youths.
He noted that government was providing fertiliser, agro-chemical and improved seeds at subsidised rates and other services to farmers.
Shema commended the state Agricultural and Rural Development Authority (KTARDA) for purchasing improved varieties of maize, millets and groundnut seeds for use in the northern part of the state.
He urged the beneficiaries to make best use of the traction equipment to improve their yields this farming season.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Alhaji Musa Adamu, commended the state government for providing all necessary support to agricultural programme.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Bello Wawaye, thanked the state government for its concern to the ordinary farmers.
He assured the government that they would make judicious use of the facility to enhance agriculture in the state.