The Nigeria Export-Import Bank, NEXIM says it plans to support farmers in Katsina State to cultivate about 1800 hectares of land for export crops in 2020.
The managing director of the bank Abba Bello who disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday said that the project would assist the Katsina state government in lifting more people out of poverty.
Speaking while receiving the Katsina state governor, Aminu Bello Masari in his office, Abba Bello said that the bank was looking at the cultivation of Hibiscus and Sesame but advised that Katsina State which produces high quality sesame should process the crops and add value to it before exporting.
He invited anchor borrowers who would be farmers in the field to supply products needed for continuous processing into exportable commodities for facilities in the bank.
He promised that NEXIM would open more opportunities for intending and existing exporters in Katsina state adding that the bank was processing applications for facilities from applicants from Katsina State.
While stating that NEXIM was looking at processing sesame seeds up to juice, syrup and tea for export Abba Bello said that the bank would also look at the development of solid minerals into export products.
Katsina State governor expressed his pleasure and gratitude to the bank for partnering with companies in the state. He however requested that state governments should be informed about the collaboration between companies and NEXIM.
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