By Blessing Enagu.
CROSS RIVER STATE GOVERNMENT SIGNS STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH JR FARMS TO SCALE UP COFFEE PRODUCTION.
In a major step toward revitalizing the coffee industry, the Cross River State Government has entered into a strategic partnership with JR Farms Nigeria Limited to pilot the development of commercial coffee plantations in the highlands of Obanliku and Boki Local Government Areas.
Signed on April 25, 2025, the agreement outlines a comprehensive plan to increase coffee production to 110,000 metric tonnes annually over the next five years, positioning Cross River as a leading player in Nigeria’s emerging coffee economy.
Under the agreement, JR Farms will provide technical support for the cultivation of high-yield Arabica and Robusta coffee varieties, register over 2,000 smallholder farmers, and offer continuous training, capacity building, and access to market infrastructure such as coffee washing stations. The initiative adopts a “Private Sector–Farmers” model that links farmers with industry expertise and global market access.
The partnership follows a fact-finding mission by the CEO of JR Farms, Mr. Olawale Rotimi, who visited several communities in the state to assess suitability and engage with Stakeholders. The visit affirmed the region’s potential for growing high-quality Arabica and Robusta coffee, given its unique highland climate and fertile soil.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, said the agreement is designed to boost farmers’ productivity, open up new markets, and ensure that specialty coffee grown in Cross River State meets global quality standards.
“The Cross River State Government recognizes that coffee is a vital foreign exchange earner. With support from JR Farms, we expect monumental progress in coffee production. Leveraging JR Farms’ existing market penetration, the issue of market access would not be a problem,” the Commissioner said.
He also emphasized that the coffee initiative is expected to create employment opportunities for women and youths, thereby contributing to rural development and poverty reduction.
With its expertise in the coffee value chain and strong presence in global markets, JR Farms is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming Cross River’s highlands into thriving coffee hubs. The seedlings, suited to local climatic conditions, will be delivered to farmers through the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development within eight weeks of order.
This partnership aligns with the state’s broader agricultural transformation strategy and represents a bold step toward achieving economic diversification and sustainable farming in Cross River State.
