Kwara Hosts International Agric Fair

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

An Agriculture International Trade Fair organized by Harmony Holdings Limited (HHL) will hold in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital between November 13 and 18, 2016.

The Divisional Head for Agriculture, Harmony Holdings, Mrs Iyabo Amajo, who disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference, said that the international trade fair will be attended by both local and international players and development partners in the agricultural value-chain industry.

Mrs Amajo noted that the fair was conceived to key into the policy and programmes of the Kwara State government on improved agriculture, adding that the State is characterised with safety, good geographical location and human relations that makes it attractive to investment.

She pointed out that the fair is coming at a time when the Federal Government is intensifying effort at diversifying the economy, guarantee food security and enable the growth of a multi-sectoral economy in view of the current harsh economic situation.

According to her, the fair provides an opportunity for a wide range of economic companies to advertise their products to both large and small scale farmers, which will be of benefit not only to direct and indirect suppliers of goods and services to the agricultural sector, but also for those involved in related industries.

She disclosed that financial organisations will also be at the fair including the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which will showcase its Anchor Borrowers Programme that supports millions of small holders in rice production, adding that other commercial banks will be on ground to offer financial assistance to farmers.

Also speaking, Special Adviser to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed on Agriculture and Rural Water Support Services, Mr Anu Ibiwoye disclosed that the State government will inject about N1billion to boost agricultural activities in the State.

Mr Ibiwoye also revealed that the State government has commenced biometric verification of farmers, involving data base that will aid planning and provision of credit facility for farmers.

He noted that the registered farmers will have access to agriculture credit at single digit from the government, adding that there will be off-demand takers drive agriculture to help farmers harness opportunities.