NAIC DISBURSES N10 MILLION NAIRA TO FARMERS IN ZAMFARA STATE

The Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NAIC) has disbursed about N10m to group of farmers in Zamfara State, who had suffered crop losses during the drought spell which devastated farmlands in the State in 2007.

Receiving a cheque for onward delivery to the affected farmers in Gusau, the State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Muktar Ahmad Anka, who represented the State Governor at a two-day training workshop on improved agricultural risk management practices, attributed the drought to the late arrival and early cessation of rainfall in 2007.

He further disclosed that about 30 – 40% crop losses were experienced by farmers in the State and therefore commended the prompt claims disbursement by NAIC as a welcome development towards complementing the efforts of both the Federal and State Governments in achieving food security in the Country.

He also pledged the state government readiness to fulfill its financial obligation of the payment of premium subsidy of NAIC towards giving insurance covers to Farmers who have been registered by the Zamfara State Comprehensive Agricultural Revolution Programme (ZACAREP).

Alhaji Anka also advised the beneficiaries of the claims payments to make best use of the money as well as prepare well in the forth coming cropping season.

In his remark, NAIC Executive Director Finance and Administration, Ambassador Bappah Lawal Toro, lauded the efforts of the Zamfara State Government for its prompt payment of its share of the premium subsidy over the years.

He therefore, called on other state government in the Federation to emulate the efforts of the Zamfara State in the area of 12.5% mandatory payment subsidy by States to NAIC as insurance cover against the vagaries of natural hazards such as drought, flood and animal diseases.

He disclosed that since its inception in 1987 NAIC has covered a total volume of over N4 Billion in Zamfara State, with over N800m as risk covered in 2007 farming season.

Ambassador Toro also explained that the workshop for the farmers and extension staff in Zamfara State was organized to enlighten the participants on the activities of NAIC and also update their knowledge on modern risk management techniques, with a view to improving their productivity level. He therefore appealed to the state government for more areas of cooperation and patronage by giving NAIC the additional mandated to cover all the agricultural equipment and assets in the State.



BUTROUS PEMBI
Head Corporate Affairs, NAIC