COMDEC, NIRSAL, UNION BANK TO SUPPORT GOMBE FARMERS

By Abu-Ubaidah Ibrahim Kuna

Famers in Gombe State are to benefit from the strategic Agricultural Programme of the Gombe State Commodity Depot and Exchange Centre (COMDEC) aimed at boosting agricultural activities in Gombe State.

Gombe State Commodity Depot and Exchange Centre (COMDEC) in partner with the Nigeria Incentive-base Risk Sharing System for Agriculture Lending (NIRSAL) and Union bank will help poor and local farmers across Gombe State.

Speaking during an interactive session with NIRSAL and Union Bank officials in Gombe state, the Adviser on Commerce to Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo who double as the Chairman of the Commodity Depot and Exchange Centre (COMDEC), Gombe State, Alh. Musa Yahaya, said one of the COMDEC responsibility is to facilitate the repositioning and modernization of the sector and explore all development financing windows for the purpose of stimulating the sector.

Yahaya commended both NIRSAL and Union Bank for their efforts and contributions in ensuring the success of COMDEC through its Agricultural Programme.

Also speaking, the NIRSAL Head of Project Monitoring and Reporting Office in Gombe State . Mr. Jibrin Takade, said that COMDEC is expected to provide a minimum of 250 hectares of land at the each and every Local Government Area for the cluster and minimum of 1000 hectares of land which can accommodate at least 500 famers for the farming activities, added that a farmer is expected to be given a two hectares of land.

Jibrin also disclosed that the selected farmers would access the fund through cooperative groups and are expected to make an equity contribution of 5 per cent of the amount.

He said that the money would cover the cost of preparation and supplies of farm inputs needed for the farming within their localities.

Takade explained that arrangement is been putting in place to help the farmers in Gombe State.

While adding more light on the support, the union Bank official, Muhammad Gidado said that Union bank is currently working tirelessly to make the programme a success.

According to him, the aim of the bank is to ensure the proper utilization of the resources provided to the famers.