Farmers under the aegis of Edo State Co-operative Farmers Agency Limited (ESCFAL) have appealed to the Edo State Government for the disbursement of the ECOWAS fund to fish farmers in the state.
Nosa Amayo, president of the association made the call during a visit of members to Monday Osaigbovo, Edo state commissioner for agriculture in his office in Benin-City recently. Amayo noted that the quick disbursement of the fund would reduce the burden of the high cost of fish feed experienced by farmers.
He also called for the quick resolution of obstacles hindering the disbursement of the fund since 2012.
“We want to appeal that the ECOWAS fund for fish farmers in Edo state be disbursed, and obstacles that are hindering the disbursement since 2012 be resolved by you in order for the fund be disbursed to fish farmers to reduce the burden of high cost if feed”, he said.
He added that the agency was ready to partner with the ministry of agriculture and natural resources to create jobs for the unemployed youths through a sustainable value chain adaptation.
He opined that the value chain that will enhance productivity of farm produces in the state for increased income generation that will lead to inclusive economic growth for all in the state.
Amayo however called for a harmonious and cordial working relationship and synergy with the ministry to take agricultural sector to a viable height in the state. “We believe that we can achieve so much more if we have your support through a robust working relationship. We have been enjoying the guidance and support of the past commissioners of this ministry since our existence as a body.
“We also hope to enjoy same with you. Together, we can do a lot to take the agricultural sector of Edo state to an enviable height in the country at large”, he added.
In his remark, Monday Osaigbovo , commissioner for agriculture and natural resources, commended the members of the agency for the visit assured that all loans due to fish farmers in the state will be promptly paid.
Osaigbovo disclosed that out of the N20 million disbursed to fish farmers as loan in the state over N17 million have been paid back by the farmers while the sum of N1billion disbursed to famers in 2012 a kobo has not been paid by the beneficiaries.
“I will inquire from the permanent secretary of the ministry to find out why the loan has not been disbursed. If there is loan that is meant for fish farmers I want it to be disbursed immediately because a billion naira loan was given out to farmers in 2012 and as at today we have not recovered a kobo as loan repayment.
“But the sum of N20million was disbursed to fish farmers and we have recovered N17 million as repayment. So if this can happen why can we give the fish farmers more loan which means they know what they are doing? he queried.
He added that the state government will henceforth disburse loans to farmers through cooperative or farmers associations to avoid future non-repayment of loans by beneficiaries.
IDRIS UMAR MOMOH
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