Gov. Patrick Yakowa of Kaduna State has approved the release of N1 billion loan to irrigation farmers in the state.

Yakowa said this on Saturday in Kaduna during the presentation of flags to Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidates in the December local councils election.

He said the loan would be disbursed to small holder farmers under the Subsidy Fund Reinvestment Programme (SURE-P).

Yakowa added that modalities were being workout to ensure that the farmers have smooth access to the fund.

The governor said the Ministry of Agriculture had been directed to register irrigation farmers into cooperatives before the disbursement.

He advised the party's candidates to be peaceful in their campaigns, avoid rigging and ensure transparent polls.

Yakowa said the state needs peace to enable government execute development programmes for the benefit of the people.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 23 chairmanship candidates were presented with the PDP flag ahead of the election slated for December 1.

NAN