By ABBAS BAMALLI

Gov. Dikko Radda of Katsina State has inaugurated a 12-man committee to investigate the beneficiaries and implementation of the Federal Government’s Anchor Borrower Programme in the state.

The CBN, in line with its developmental functions, established the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme to create economic linkages between smallholder farmers and reputable companies (anchors) involved in the production and processing of key agricultural commodities.

The core of the programme is to provide loans (in kind and cash) to smallholder farmers to boost agricultural production, create jobs, and reduce food import bill towards conservation of foreign reserve.

It was reported, however, that the smallholder farmers either did not refund loans given or as cooperatives made the cost of their produce out of reach of Nigerians.

Radda’s media aide, Malam Ibrahim Kaula, stated in Katsina on Saturday that the governor mandated the committee to investigate government’s role in the programme and to determine its level of commitment.

“The committee is also to identify beneficiaries of the programme and determine whether they paid back the loans they were given.

“It was also mandated to provide suggestions that would assist the state government to overcome challenges hindering the programme’s successful implementation,’’ Kaula stated.

He added that thecommittee has the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abdullahi Garba-Faskari, as Chairman, and Mr Aliyu Isah of the governor’s office as Secretary.

Kaula stated also that Radda charged the committee to justify the confidence reposed in its members by diligently discharging the assignment.

The committee is expected to submit its report in two weeks, beginning from Dec. 7. (NAN)