Anchor Borrower programme: 14,000 sorghum farmers register in Kano

All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) in Kano State has so far registered 14,000 sorghum farmers for agric loan under the Anchor Borrower programme since the registration started on Monday, April 9.

The AFAN Chairman in the state, Alhaji Faruk Rabi’u, told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Friday that the registration would also include farmers who produce maize, wheat and Soya beans for massive production of the four commodities this year.

According to him, farmers have been directed to register with their respective associations within the stipulated two weeks period to enable the apex farmers’ association to compile a list for onward submission to Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

He added that “farmers for each commodity would be given loan under the Anchor Borrower programme to enable them to produce sorghum, maize, wheat and Soya beans in commercial quantity.

“The loan package for each commodity would defend on the cost of producing each commodity.

“The loan would also be extended to seed growers for massive production of quality seeds for sale to farmers in the state.”

Rabi’u said registration forms had been distributed to the 484 wards across the 44 local government areas of Kano State for onward distribution to interested farmers, noting that the forms were free.

He asked the farmers to report anyone who requested for payment for the forms to the state headquarters of the association for appropriate action.

He reminded farmers that the loan facility was not free, as all those who benefitted from it should be ready to repay after the harvesting period.

Rabi’u, who advised farmers to make the best use of the opportunity being offered by Federal Government, said registration was ongoing in council areas.