Workshop Participants Urge CBN To Change Policy On Agric Loan

Participants at the just concluded sensitization meeting on Communication Strategy for Journalists and other stakeholders have called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to extend  the payment duration for agric loans from one to two years.

A communique issued on Wednesday in Kano after the workshop, said farmers needed to be given time to recoup their investment before paying back the loan.

The communique which was signed by APPEALS Project Communication Officer, Hajiya Rabi Mustapha Sadiq also called on Government to create policies that will allow for importation of quality seeds into the country.

The workshop was organised by Agro-processing, Productivity Enhancement and Livelihood Improvement Support Project (APPEALS) in collaboration with Kano State Agricultural Development Project (ADP).

The participants also called for the creation of right market for wheat and  other crops to encourage farmers as well as reduce post-harvest and other unnecessary losses.

“Effective field days should be held more frequently to train farmers on Good Agronomic Practices (GAP).

“There is also need for establishment of group contact at all levels: group discussions, demonstrations sessions, excursions and tours,” it said.

The Communique further stressed the need for more radio programmes on extension services to educate farmers on emerging technologies and methods to boost production.

Similarly, the meeting advocated for the utilization of social media in the promotion of agric value chain in addition to encouraging participatory talk shows and other radio programmes.

It called for the use of strategic communication to know consumers needs and how to ensure satisfaction towards products consumption.

“Media campaign should be encouraged to ensure food security and employment creations.

“Media should be considered as stakeholders in the process of agricultural development while target should be identified at the right time and right communication medium should be identified,” it added.

The meeting also called for the domestication of Agric. clinics in areas where targeted groups are located while government should establish an enabling environment especially by formulating laws that will regulate markets and ensure sales.

The meeting agreed that migration from subsistence to semi-mechanized agriculture will be of great benefit to the nation’s economy and improve livelihood of the populace.

It also emphasized the need to educate the public on the nutritional value of wheat which should be promoted through strategic communication. (NAN)