Growsel, an Agtech start-up organisation that connects under-financed farmers with investors in the country’s agricultural space, has commenced the verification exercise for farmers in Kaduna and Jos.
The aim of the verification exercise is to help farmers secure agro credit needed to boost their productivity.
Jerry Oche, CEO, Growsel explained that the organisation has been able to partner with establishments such as the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and Union Bank of Nigeria to provide funding for farmers, while still attracting private funds for farming projects across the country.
“Growsel stands for enhanced food production and the development of human capital by empowering subsistence farmers to become commercial farmers,” Oche said.
The verification process involves visits to some of the farm locations of farmers who are willing to be part of the scheme.
Apart from securing of finance for farmers, Growsel also support farmers with technical assistance upon visit to their farmland. A total of 69 farmers in the two states were verified at the end of the exercise.
Some of the farmers who participated in the verification process complained about the issue of insecurity, stating that it has crippled inter states trade in recent years.
While the poultry farmers complained about the recurrent outbreak of Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) across the country.
In response to the farmers complain, Growsel assured them of off-takers agreements and provision of veterinary doctors to train farmers on bio-safety measures.
The organisation also urged farmers who would want to be beneficiaries of the initiative to practice mono-cropping, stressing that they only partner with such farmers.
According to them, the next phase of the funding will soon be announced as supporters would continue to receive updates on their investments on farms already cultivated.
Josephine Okojie
