Flowerbud News, Niger, Small and Medium Scale Farmers Association, SMSFA, Niger state has expressed dismay over alleged mischief and deceitful action of Niger State Agricultural Mechanization Agency NAMDA in collaboration with Niger Foods who supply farm inputs to Medium Scale Farmers under their credit scheme
This is contained in a press statement signed by the Association’s chairman who was a one time NUJ chairman, Usman Kwatu and Secretary Ismaila Yahaya Aliu made available to journalists in Minna
The statement, said they have lost confidence in the two organizations because the Manner they were deceived to buy into the programme.
Usman Kwatu emphasized that despite all the necessary conditions stipulated by NAMDA even before the farm inputs were acquired, the Small and Medium Scale Farmers Association were denied the 2024 credit scheme which they described as not only a gimmick but a sham.
The statement added that NAMDA entered into partnership with Niger Foods just as it entered into agreement with Small and Medium Scale Farmers Association as well as the Large Scale Farmers to boost agriculture and ensure food security inline with the present administration’s agenda at both state and federal levels but was disappointed.
The Association’s demands include; refund of their equity with interest, paying them for time lost after three months waiting for NAMDA and now raining season is gone, urging for agricultural policy review to accommodate Small and Medium Scale Farmers.
Others are calling on government to make acquisition of farm inputs less cumbersome to allowed SMSF to apply
and charged on the state government to investigate NAMDA and Niger Foods alleged scam flag off that portray the state government in bad light.
