Katsina State Governor Radda has launched the FarmerMoni enumeration exercise and training for Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) desk officers to improve eligible smallholder farmers’ access to financial support.
The exercise, held on Thursday at the Government House in Katsina, is being implemented in collaboration with the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA).
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda said his administration remained committed to agricultural development through farmer support, fertilizer distribution, mechanization, irrigation, and practical agricultural training for young people.
The National GEEP Programme Manager, Dr Hamza Ibrahim Baba, said FarmerMoni provides eligible smallholder farmers with interest-free, collateral-free support of up to ₦300,000.
He stressed that the facility was a loan, not a grant, explaining that repayments would allow other farmers to benefit from the revolving scheme. He said repayment was expected to begin six to nine months after disbursement, in line with program guidelines.
Baba said the enumeration exercise would help identify eligible farmers, improve data collection, and promote transparency. He directed desk officers to verify applicants’ details, register only qualified farmers, and ensure accurate data entry.
He also warned officers against demanding money from applicants for registration or selection, stressing that the process must be transparent and free from corruption.
The program manager urged beneficiaries to use the support strictly for farming and repay their loans as required.
The State GEEP Manager, Hajiya Karima, called on the trained officers to perform their duties professionally and ensure the program reaches its intended beneficiaries. She also commended the state and federal governments for their collaboration on agricultural and economic empowerment initiatives.
