World Bank approves $200m for Fadama

The World Bank has extended the execution of Fadama III programme in Nigeria from three to four years, with the approval of $200 million in June, the South -West Fadama Zonal Coordinator, Rasaq Salau, has said.

Salau told the News Agency of Nigeria in Ile-Oluji Local Government Area of Ondo State, yesterday that although the approval was signed in June, its full implementation would begin in January, 2014.

He said the states participating in the programme will concentrate on the Agricultural Transformation Agenda of the Federal Government, stating that the programme will involve people who are into production, as well as those adding value by way of branding and packaging of their crops.

Salau said the Federal Government is determined to stop rice importation by 2015, adding that the Minister of Agriculture has been urged to ensure that only quality rice is produced.