The Kaduna State Government has promised to disburse the sum of N1 billion loan to farmers in the state. Governor Mukhtar Yero disclosed this during the opening ceremony of the 35th edition of Kaduna International Trade Fair in Kaduna on Saturday.
The fair was organised by the Kaduna Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA).
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Ambassador Nuhu Bajoga, said the low interest loan was part of a counterpart programme with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) to introduce and encourage the use of modern commercial farming methods.
He said additional tractors and other mechanised farm implements would be procured as captured in the 2014 budget of the state to further attract unemployed graduates to go into farming and curb social unrest.
Governor Yero disclosed that efforts were in place with private partners to revive the moribund companies in the state such as the Ikara Food Processing Company, Kachia Ginger Processing Company, Makarfi Sugar Company and the Kafanchan Flour Mills, and however commended KADCCIMA for organising the fair which has the theme: “Agricultural Transformation for Industrial Development: Public Private Partnership Approach”.
The opening ceremony witnessed low turnout of exhibitors, which could be attributed to the security challenges presently confronting the north, over six countries, Egypt, Ghana, Turkey, India, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Senegal and Niger Republic among others are participated in the year’s fair.
President of the Chamber, Dr. Abdul Alimi Bello commended the state government for its effort in empowering micro small and medium enterprises in the state and urged other states in the north to key into such economic transformation.
On his part, national president of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Mohammadu Abubakar, advocated the need for government to adopt deliberate policy that will propel the agro-industrial and manufacturing concerns in order to advance the nation’s economy.
Since its inception in 1974, the Kaduna International Trade Fair has consistently provided an avenue for exhibition of various industrial breakthrough and innovations from across the globe.