Association, 2,000 farmers in court cover N270m unpaid loan
Temitayo Ayetoto is Businessamlive Reporter.
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The Wheat Farmers Association of Nigeria (WFAN), Kano chapter has dragged 2,000 farmers to court on Monday for defaulting in the repayment of a N270 million loan.
Faruk Rabi’u, WFAN chairman, in a monitored report said 26 of the affected farmers had so far been arraigned before a magistrates’ court in Kano.
He said the court had also ordered the arrest of the remaining 1,974 farmers, who refused to acknowledge its summon.
The association secured the facility from the state government and some agro dealers under the 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 wheat farming season, to assist farmers and encourage them to stay in the business to boost wheat production.
“We sourced the loan from the state government and some stakeholders and disbursed to about 2, 000 wheat farmers in the state. But regrettably, our members decided not to repay the loans after harvesting period,’ Rabi’u said.
He said the association had to explore legal option against the defaulting farmers to deter others.
Rabi’u said the leadership of the association would soon commence public enlightenment on the need for farmers to ensure prompt payment of loans.
“Unless this is done, the government may stop giving farmers loan in the state,” Rabi’u said.