By AMAWU Cletus Albert Amawu.
CROSS RIVER STATE BOOSTS FOOD SECURITY WITH TRACTOR ROLLOUT FOR SMALLHOLDER FARMERS-JOHNSON EBOKPO.
…Hon. Johnson Ebokpo unveils mechanised farming equipment, warns of looming food crisis if manual labour challenges persist.
In a decisive move to tackle growing concerns over food production and labour shortages in Cross River State, the Honourable Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, has addressed journalists on the functionality and strategic significance of newly acquired tractors by the state government.
The acquisition, initiated under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, Governor of Cross River State, forms a key component of the administration’s broader strategy to mechanise agriculture and bolster food security.
“Especially with the rise of cooking gas and alternative energy sources, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find manual labourers willing to work on farms,” Hon. Ebokpo stated during an inspection tour. “If we fail to act swiftly, Cross River could face a significant food security crisis.”
The tractors, fitted with 30-horsepower engines, have been specifically designed to suit the state’s diverse terrain, which includes both tropical rainforest and Guinea savannah zones. They are aimed at smallholder farmers, who constitute the backbone of Cross River’s agricultural sector.
“These are not your typical ‘mini’ tractors,” Hon. Ebokpo clarified. “They fall between the mini and medium class categories, equipped with robust gear and auxiliary systems capable of operating in swampy and challenging terrains.”
He further highlighted the tractors’ complementary implements including harrows, ploughs, ridgers, and seed planters stressing their importance in supporting cassava and grain production. “This level of mechanisation enables small-scale farmers to work more efficiently and expand their operations significantly.”
With the rollout of this equipment, the state government aims to enhance agricultural productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and empower rural communities by providing greater access to modern farming technology.
“Our vision is straightforward,” Hon. Ebokpo concluded. “To ensure Cross River State can feed itself and emerge as a food hub for the region.”
