Fadama: 27 rice production groups cleared for funds receipt

Not fewer than 27 rice production groups under the Abuja Fadama III Project have been cleared for fund disbursement.

The Acting Secretary, Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr Musa Aliyu, informed that the groups have received their clearance during the opening ceremony of the pre-disbursement training programme organised for Irrigated Rice Farmers’ Groups.

“It is gratifying to note that the 27 business plans prepared by 27 rice production groups across the FCT have received clearance for disbursement from the National Fadama Coordination Office. It is in view of this achievement that we are organising this pre-disbursement training exercise”.

He said the development was a highlight of the implementation of Fadama III (Additional Financing) in the nations’ capital, especially in rice production.

Aliyu said continual sensitisation and mobilisation had led to preparation of 164 business plans by various production groups across the value chain crops.

The acting secretary however urged the participants to sustain the achievements recorded by Fadama III project towards attaining food security in the FCT.

“As you continue the implementation of your business plans, ensure that all resources at your disposal are put to the best use to ensure a lucrative enterprise,” he said.

The central aim of the Additional Financing (AF) for the Third National Fadama Development Project for Nigeria is to increase incomes for users of rural lands and water resources within the Fadama areas in a sustainable manner throughout the recipient’s territory.

The additional financing will focus on improving farm productivity while increasing performance of clusters of farmers engaged in priority food staples namely rice, cassava, sorghum and horticulture in six selected states with high potential.