By David Okpashi
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Sunday distributed World Bank loan of $250,000 to 620 farmers made up of 367 males, 253 females drawn from 10 communities in two local government areas of the state.
Governor Sule said the loan disbursement facilitated by the world Bank was an Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) designed to cushion climate change effects on the farmers in the state.
Speaking at the disbursement of the loan in Doma Local Government Area, the governor explained that the disbursement was in line with the vision of the state and federal government to support farmers to boost food production.
According to Governor Sule, the state government had recently distributed 23 tractors and farm inputs to 10, 000 farmers in the state to support farming, stating further that the ACReSAL loan is a revolving and interest-free loan given to farmers aimed at boosting agricultural output and improving the livelihood of the beneficiaries.
He disclosed that the 10 benefiting communities of Doma and Toto were selected as pilot local governments in the state, adding that climate change has brought so many challenges to the environment as well as the livelihood of farmers.
On her part, Team Leader of ACReSAL, Dr Joy Iganya-Agene- explained 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 a Senior Environmental Specialist World Bank Nigeria Office, listed the communities in Doma to includes Ohiha, Madative, Odurigya, Yalwa and Alagye, while those from Toto are; Zolo, Umasha, Dereegba, Ayiwawa, and Sere.
Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, the Andoma of Doma, Aliyu Ogah, expressed gratitude for the interest-free loan given to farmers in his domain.