The Federal Government has started providing interest-free and collateral-free loans to farmers in Plateau State under the “FarmerMoni Intervention Programme.”
Mrs. Mary Fom, Plateau Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP), disclosed this during a one-day stakeholder engagement in Jos on Wednesday. The programme is implemented through the Renewed Hope Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (RH-GEEP) and is designed to tackle food insecurity.
Each beneficiary under the scheme will have access to N300,000, with a six-month moratorium before repayment begins. The programme targets both dry and wet season farming and is intended to support small and medium-scale farmers, particularly in rural communities.
“This is a strategic intervention under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. It provides interest-free financial support, capacity building, insurance coverage, and market access to farmers,” Fom explained.
She added that the scheme aims to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, promote financial inclusion, reduce poverty, create employment opportunities, and improve the socio-economic well-being of farmers in Plateau and beyond.
Beneficiaries will also enjoy insurance coverage, off-take arrangements, and free extension services, among other support mechanisms. However, Fom emphasized that while the loan is free, recipients will be monitored to ensure proper use of the funds.
The programme targets farmers engaged in crop production, poultry, aquaculture, livestock rearing, and other agricultural activities.
This initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to empowering farmers and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural sector.