Awutu-Beraku (C/R), Oct. 16, GNA - The Awutu-Beraku Rural Bank in the Central Region has lined up several credit packages for farmers in the Bank's catchments area. The facilities including long and short-term loans are meant to encourage food and non-traditional crop growers in the Awutu-Effutu-Senya District to step up their production targets to meet local needs and for export.

Mr. John Kofi Anomah, Manager, told the Ghana News Agency in an interview at Awutu-Beraku on Thursday that the bank would do everything possible to ensure that cassava growers in the district produced adequate raw materials to meet the requirements of the Ayensu Cassava Factory at Awutu-Bawjiase.

According to Mr. Anomah, the bank also had plans for pineapple and poultry farmers and urged farmers engaged in these ventures to take advantage of the facilities to expand their farms and to step up their production targets.

Mr. Abraham Larbie, Chairman of the Board of Directors, said the bank would continue to make financial contributions towards the celebration of the annual National Farmers' Day to express its appreciation to farmers for their invaluable contribution towards the development of the country.

Mr. Larbie took advantage of this year's farmers day event, which is about to come off, to advise farmers to work harder for more financial returns.

They should also not forget the numerous calls on them to pay serious attention to their children's education saying: "The children are the only window of hope for the country's future."

Meanwhile, the bank has started disbursing loans to members of the various credit-worthy organized women's groups in the district under its micro credit scheme to enable them to purse viable economic venture of their choice to support their husbands in the running of their families. 16 Oct. 04