Counterpart funding stalls Fadama programmes in Katsina

The state government is expected to pay N40 million, while each of the participating local governments is expected to pay N2 million as counterpart funds. The last payment by the state government was in August 2012, according to records obtained by our correspondent.The state Fadama III programme had registered 194 farmers’ cooperative associations and 1,836 […]

The state government is expected to pay N40 million, while each of the participating local governments is expected to pay N2 million as counterpart funds. The last payment by the state government was in August 2012, according to records obtained by our correspondent.
The state Fadama III programme had registered 194 farmers’ cooperative associations and 1,836 farmers’ user groups. Some of the projects executed under the scheme include construction of Fadama access road, and water access points.
Others include the provision of water pumping machines, fish ponds and fingerlings.  The programme also established nurseries, sheep and goat support and cattle for fattening among others.
Our reporter gathered that the state participated in the Fadama III programme, which ended last year. However, Fadama III Plus has already taken off in other states of the federation. Already, a letter to that effect has been sent from the national office of the programme and awaiting response from the state.
Most of the farmers that took part in the Fadama III in the state are left behind as the next phase of the scheme which is the Fadama III plus has since started in other parts of the country.
Farmers who spoke to Daily Trust appealed to the government to hasten the settlement of the outstanding funds to enable them continue to reap its benefit.
Efforts to reach the state Commissioner of Agriculture, Musa Adamu, however proved abortive as he neither answered his phone nor responded to text messages sent to him.