Association begs wheat farmers to refund FG’s Anchor Borrowers’ loan in Bauchi

Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria (WFAN), Bauchi State branch, has urged 2021/2022 dry season farmers that obtained loans under the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Anchor Borrowers’ Programme to pay back after harvest.

CBN, in collaboration with WFAN, had, in January, provided input to thousands of wheat farmers. These included: seeds, fertiliser, herbicides, sprayers and water pumps.

Chairman of the association, Mohammed Juli Adamu, said WFAN received assurance from the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and CBN, co-sponsors of the dry season farming initiative, that government will not relent in promoting agricultural production in the country.

Adamu, while briefing newsmen in Bauchi, yesterday, on activities of the association in the state, said, given the resolution between government and flour production companies in the country towards provision of quality wheat seeds, the government has no option but to encourage farmers to grow wheat.

He said: “With the purchase of quality wheat seeds, last year, by CBN, and subsequent bumper wheat harvest by farmers in wheat-growing states, the government is really encouraged to support farmers in whichever way possible, to enhance the production of the commodity in a large scale.”

He described wheat farming as a very profitable business worth millions of naira.

He appealed to wheat farmers in Bauchi, especially those who are yet to repay the loan, to hasten repayment, as preparations for the next cropping season have reached an advanced stage.

The chairman warned that any farmer who defaults would bear the consequences, which include legal action.