Gov. Bassey Otu.
By Anietie Akpan
Cross River State Government has commenced a bullish revolutionary reforms on Agriculture with a new statewide support initiatives.
This reforms championed by the State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu through the Ministry of Agriculture, is a comprehensive suite of initiatives aimed at empowering farmers across the state.
A press release on Wednesday endorsed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nsa Gill, said the efforts align with Governor’s vision of transforming the agricultural sector to drive inclusive growth, economic sustainability, and enhanced food security.
Speaking at a press briefing in Calabar, the State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, emphasized the Governor’s commitment to reforms that prioritize value creation for both farmers and their communities.
The briefing was attended by sector heads representing major agricultural value chains such as rice, cocoa, coffee, cassava, and oil palm.
“From the onset, the vision of our dear Governor has always been to move Cross River State agriculture beyond subsistence farming to large-scale commercial agriculture with a strong emphasis on value addition,” Commissioner Ebokpo stated.
Key components of the support programme include:
• Subsidized Support for Smallholder Farmers: The ministry is addressing key challenges faced by smallholder farmers, especially in land preparation, through targeted subsidies.
• Mechanized Agriculture Initiatives: In collaboration with the National Agricultural Mechanization and Equipment Leasing Company (NAMEL), the ministry is implementing initiatives such as Project Grow and the Cassava Value Chain Development Project, which introduce modern farming techniques.
• Tractor Acquisition Scheme: The ministry has acquired 108 mini and medium-sized tractors, which will be distributed to registered farmers’ cooperatives at subsidized rates. A dedicated committee has been set up to ensure a transparent distribution process, which will include public applications and a rigorous screening exercise.
• Statewide Sensitization Tour: A recently concluded tour engaged directors of agriculture, supervisors, extension officers, and farmers across the three senatorial districts. The campaign emphasized the importance of farmer registration at the local government level, encouraging free registration under preferred value chains.
• Farmer Registration Drive: Local government chairmen have been tasked with leading advocacy efforts to mobilize farmers for registration. This registration is essential for delivering targeted government support tailored to each farmer’s specific needs.
• Cocoa Production Expansion: As part of the Draft 7-Year Strategic Development Plan, the ministry announced a renewed focus on cocoa production expansion within the state.
“Currently, we are expanding focus on cocoa production in the state. We have made a strategic move to boost the agricultural sector beyond current efforts.
“We are building a sustainable and profitable agricultural sector in Cross River State through a holistic approach—modernizing farming techniques, promoting agribusiness, improving market access for farmers, and implementing inclusive growth policies,” he concluded.
The ministry therefore urged all farmers in the State to actively participate in the ongoing registration process and take advantage of the support programs being offered.