The Ondo State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) says a Micro Finance Bank has disbursed N11 million loan to rice farmers in the state.

Joshua Oyedele, the state Chairman of AFAN told newsmen in Akure on Monday that the loan, which was disbursed in the last five months, was to enhance the production of rice.

Oyadele said that 50 varieties of rice had been `soil-tested’ for proper germination of the crop in the state.

He said that no fewer than 1,000 farmers had been trained in the use and application of agrochemical through extension officers throughout the 18 Local Government Areas in the state.

According to him, the association is collaborating with private farm to ensure adequate supply of fertilisers and other farm input to farmers.

“Poverty would be a thing of the past in the state if rural communities are empowered to participate more actively and efficiently in agriculture.

“It is high time to move agricultural practice from the low level food production where human deprivation, low resistance to diseases and mass unemployment among the citizen are the order of the day,” he said.

Oyedele commended the State Government for the immense cooperation and quality agricultural services delivery in the state.

SOURCE: Business Day Online