News in Brief:
– Cross River state launched a massive 50,000-hectare rice farm project to revolutionise its agricultural sector.
– The initiative, backed by a credit scheme and new farming machinery, aims to empower youths and boost rice production in Nigeria.
In a bid to revolutionise the agricultural sector of Cross River state, Governor Bassey Otu has inaugurated a massive 50,000-hectare rice farm located in Ndok, Ogoja Local Government Area. The project is backed by a ₦150 million monthly credit scheme established by the state government to support agricultural development projects.
Governor Otu reiterated the government’s commitment to working directly with farmer groups as part of the programme, with an initial focus on short-term food crops like rice and cassava. He also disclosed that the development of oil palm and rubber plantations is ongoing.
Recall that during his inaugural speech as governor of the state, Otu had pledged an agro revolution. This recommitment further highlights the government’s dedication to improving the state’s economy. He adds that his administration will provide essential resources like credit-guarantee schemes to ease access to financing for committed farmers.
Boosting mechanisation and empowering youths
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Johnson Ebokpo, announced that the government had acquired new tractors for distribution to local government areas to enhance agricultural mechanisation.
These tractors will be managed by farmers’ cooperatives, according to Ebokpo. He elaborated that the initiative aims to empower young people while assisting small-scale farmers in expanding their operations.
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Rice Farmers Association in Cross River, Emmanuel Anoh, expressed optimism for the project’s success, projecting a minimum yield of six tonnes of rice per hectare. This translates to roughly 140 50kg bags of rice per hectare, a significant increase that has the potential to transform food availability in Nigeria.
Furthermore, he commended the Cross River government for the initiative while expressing confidence in its positive outcome.
