Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has launched a large-scale rice cultivation project, spanning 50,000 hectares in a move towards food security.
The endeavour is supported by a credit scheme in which the state government allocates N150 million monthly towards agricultural development initiatives.
The official ceremony marking the commencement of the project took place at Ndok community, Ogoja Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Otu affirmed his administration’s dedication to revolutionising the agricultural sector.
He emphasised the direct collaboration with rice farmers to cultivate the 50,000 hectares.
“We are engaging with groups of farmers, as part of our agricultural revolution, focusing initially on short-term cash crops like rice, cocoa, and cassava.
“We are also progressing towards the development of oil palm and rubber plantations,” the governor said.
Acknowledging the importance of food and energy security, the governor also assured farmers of the government’s support.
He stated: “We are committed to working along with every farmer and ensuring the provision of essential resources.
“I extend this assurance to the traditional leaders. I emphasise our long-term commitment to this course.”
Nigerian Tribune learnt that a credit-guarantee scheme has been established to facilitate financial assistance for dedicated farmers.
He highlighted the scheme’s independence from the government, underlining the monthly allocation of N150 million towards the initiative.
He encouraged individuals to seize the opportunity to enhance productivity, emphasising the need for proactive engagement in agriculture.
Otu urged individuals to take action, rather than passively waiting for sustenance, while he noted that there were abundant resources bestowed upon the state by divine providence, adding that there is the need for industrious efforts.
In his remarks, the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Mr. Johnson Ebekpo Jnr., detailed the government’s strategic approach to agricultural development.
He stressed the importance of clear policies to attract private sector investments and outlined Cross River’s commitment to making agriculture the cornerstone of the economy.
A rice-cluster farmer, Madam Agatha, expressed gratitude to the governor for the initiative and highlighted the underutilisation of the state’s rice mill due to productivity constraints, while emphasising the potential for increased production.
Chairman of Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria, Cross River State chapter, Emmanuel Anoh, projected a minimum rice yield of six tonnes per hectare, translating into 140 bags of 50kg rice per hectare, while stressing that the significant increase in production capacity was poised to transform the food industry in Nigeria.
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