By Chibuzo Munonye.
A more comprehensive seminar on free agro – finance for rural farmers and youths aimed at boosting agriculture is to be organized in each of the 27 local government areas in Imo state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor, poverty Alleviation Bureau, Chief Ben Udensi stated this during a one day free agro – finance seminar for rural farmers and youths organized by the office of the Governor, Poverty Alleviation in collaboration with Global Agricultural Research and Entrepreneurs Education, a division of Global Landmark Agro Industries Ethiopia Ltd in Owerri.
Chief Udensi who revealed that the seminar provides information on ways in which rural farmers would source money for themselves to boost agriculture, disclosed that government can intervene in procuring fertilizers, seedlings and tractors to enhance productivity.
He attributed the retarded growth of agriculture in the state to lack of information among rural farmers, noting that the aim of the seminar is to support the state government in its efforts to revive agriculture as well as sensitize rural farmers to partner with the Poverty Alleviation Bureau to secure loans.
In his paper on “Sourcing fund for Agricultural and Agro projects in Imo state of Nigeria to Alleviate Poverty”, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Global Agricultural Research and Entrepreneurs Education, Rev. Dr Onyekachukwu Ihekigbo enumerated sources of funds for agriculture and agro projects promoters to include money saved by the promoters over a period of time, equity share capital of various company directors, borrowing from commercial banks, borrowing from specialized institutions and from abroad.
Dr. Ihekigbo noted that in order to package agricultural / agro projects to be attractive to the financier, there should be a well detailed introduction and summary of the project, soil test analysis, detailed technical feasibility and local and international marketing arrangement.
Similarly, Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha has been commended for creating a conducive atmosphere for foreign investors to operate in the state.
The Manager, Talsy World (Nigeria) Company Ltd, Barr. Mrs. Rita Orji who made the commendation in an interview with Imo Trumpeta after addressing participants of the agro finance seminar, noted that the company is a Poverty Alleviation outfit and has empowered unemployment men and women for the development of their own talents.
