By AMAWU Cletus Albert Amawu.
CROSS RIVER STATE UNVEILS TRANSFORMATIONAL AGRICULTURE INITIATIVES TO BOOST ECONOMY AND FOOD SECURITY.
Commissioner Johnson Ebokpo Unveils Bold Reforms, Urges Stakeholders to Mobilise Farmers.
In a bold move to reposition agriculture as a cornerstone of economic development, the Cross River State Government has announced a sweeping series of reforms and projects aimed at transforming its agricultural sector from subsistence-based practices to sustainable commercial farming.
Speaking during a press briefing held in Calabar, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo KSM, outlined the state’s comprehensive agenda under the leadership of His Excellency, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu. The initiatives align with the administration’s “People First” mantra, aimed at delivering measurable impact for farmers across all 18 Local Government Areas.
A flagship initiative is the State Tractor Acquisition Scheme, through which the Ministry has procured 108 mini to medium-sized tractors tailored for the local terrain. Each 30hp tractor comes equipped with a ridger, seed planter, plough, harrow, and trailer, and is fuel-efficient using only 11 litres of diesel per hectare. Notably, the tractors are designed to generate electricity for powering grinding machines, irrigation pumps, and dryers.
Several units have already arrived, with assembly currently underway. A public selection process for cooperative groups has concluded, and a list of successful applicants will be published shortly.
The state is also making significant progress in the revitalisation of cash crops, particularly coffee and cocoa.
Under a strategic partnership with JR Farms, a Rwanda-based agro-investor, Cross River is set to distribute 5 million coffee seedlings 4 million Arabica and 1 million Robusta across selected LGAs. Distribution is scheduled for June–July 2025, with a second phase of 30 million seedlings planned for 2026.
Simultaneously, the state is developing new cocoa estates in six LGAs and regenerating four government-owned cocoa estates. All projects are being implemented under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework to guarantee sustainability and feedstock for future processing industries in the state.
To ensure inclusive growth, the Ministry has launched a statewide farmer registration drive. Registration is free and can be done through the Directors of Agriculture in each Local Government Council. This database will enable the state to deliver targeted support more effectively.
Community leaders, traditional rulers, and local government chairpersons are being urged to mobilise farmers to register and participate in the coffee and cocoa profiling exercises, with an emphasis on forming cooperatives.
Under the Project Grow Initiative, Cross River has partnered with Flour Mills of Nigeria for guaranteed offtake of maize and soybeans. To date, 1,000 hectares have been allocated to maize farmers, and 5,300 farmers have been trained in partnership with the AFOS Foundation.
As part of the Cassava Value Chain Project, 2,000 farmers have received training in seed multiplication techniques. Mechanised cultivation of 500 hectares of cassava will soon commence, in preparation for a proposed bio-ethanol factory.
Additionally, the Ministry is collaborating with CR-RAMP and other MDAs to develop farm access roads and rural markets critical infrastructure to support increased agricultural output and reduce post-harvest losses.
The Ministry also recently secured 8,000 bags of NPK 15:15:15 fertiliser and seed inputs from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations. These inputs will be distributed through registered farmer cooperatives aligned with specific value chains.
“These developments are only the beginning,” said Hon. Ebokpo. “With clarity of vision, committed leadership, and a robust implementation strategy, we are building a modern, resilient, and prosperous agricultural sector in Cross River State.”
He further called on stakeholders, media professionals, community leaders, and the general public to help amplify this message of transformation, opportunity, and growth across the state.
Key Stakeholders present at the press briefing were: Prof. John Shiyam, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Rev. Ojikpong Nyiam Bisong, State Chairman, Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria. Dr. Tiku Ndep, Chairman, Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Cross River State. Dr. Assam Assam, Chairman, National Coffee and Tea Association of Nigeria, Cross River State, Pastor Ubi Ubana, Director of Agric services, Dr. Roberts Ofre, Ifere Williams, Director Admin. Director of Cocoa and Coffee, Business Development Specialist, NACOFTAN, Mr. Ken Assim Ita. Others includes, the ADP Programme Manager, Bassey Emogor, State Project Coordinator for APPEALS, Dr. Arigor, John Arigor, State Project Coordinator, FAO Folur- IP project, Cletus Ogbidi, and others.
As the event highlighted the State Government commitment to agricultural development and collaboration with key stakeholders across various sectors.
