Niger set to launch Agriculture Anchor borrowers programme (ABP) for farmers
By: TUNDE BOLAJI – MINNA.
The Niger State Ministry of Agriculture has concluded all necessary arrangements to launch the pilot scheme of Anchor Borrowers Program in the state.
This programme is a major initiative aimed at boosting Agricultural productivity and strengthening food security across the State.
This was contained in a statement issued by Dr. Mathew Ahmed, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry.
Under the program, it was noted, smallholder farmers will receive fertilizers at designated redemption centres.
The initiative is designed to significantly increase the production of key crops such as maize, soybeans, rice and cotton among other priority crops.
According to the statement, the Anchor Borrowers Program is a crucial component of the ongoing Agricultural Transformation Agenda in the State.
A total of One thousand four hundred (1,400)farmers have been networked , profiled and mobilized to participate in the 2025 Anchor Borrowers Program.
The program also aims to ensure a stable supply of raw materials to agro-processors, reduce reliance on food imports and increase livelihood of smallholder farmers across the State.
Participating farmers will be able to access inputs at the following designated redemption centres at NAMDA Office, Maitumbi, Minna, All Zonal Program Office, Kontagora as well at Bid and Mokwa.
During the input distribution, every farmer will sign the credit contract agreement and a photo album will be produced for each commodity (No Proxy collection of agro-input, you must collect your input individually)
At harvest, all participating smallholder farmers, organized into cooperative groups, are expected to supply their produce directly to the Niger State Ministry of Agriculture in fulfillment of their commitment under the scheme for offtake as contained in the signed contract agreement
The Commissioner, Ministry of Agriculture, Hon Musa Bawa Salihu Bosso reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to empowering local farmers and fostering sustainable Agricultural growth throughout Niger State.
