Thirty-two farmers have benefitted from the Kshs 1.2 million Busia Agricultural Development Fund bringing to 707 the total number of farmers who have benefited from the fund since its inception.
Busia First Lady Judy Ojaamong presided over the ceremony at the Busia Agricultural Training Centre flanked by the Fund Director Benjamin Onyancha, and Chief Officer for Agriculture Richard Achiambo.
Addressing the farmers, Onyancha said the fund has made it easier for farmers who can repay them through M-Pesa pay bill number, adding that the loan attracts a low-interest rate of 5 percent payable in 12 months and a grace period of two months.
Onyancha said the farmers in different value chains such as agriculture, livestock and fisheries have benefitted adding that since the start of ADF in 2014 they have received repayments of Kshs 8.5 million.
The First Lady encouraged more women farmers to take risks and apply for loans so that they can engage in farming, adding that the Fund attracts the lowest interest rate of 5% per annum. “I also encourage those who have taken the loan to repay it at the stipulated time of 12 months to enable many farmers to benefit from the revolving fund,” she said.
Achiambo assured farmers to work hand in hand with extension officers in the respective Sub Counties to boost their production.
Justice Etyang encouraged farmers to start repaying the loan before the expiry of the grace period to boost their chances of accessing more loans.
Farmers lauded the County Government for the cheques saying the money will boost their farming activities.
Each farmer received funds ranging from Kshs 30,000 to Kshs 50,000 to be used in pig, dairy, fish and poultry farming, rearing rabbits, and planting maize, tomatoes, arrow roots, watermelons, ground nuts and onions.