The Governor of Cross River State, Bassey Otu, has taken on a significant project to assist the Federal Government’s rice production efforts. His ambitious plan involves cultivating rice on a vast area of land totalling 50,000 hectares. Each month, the State government provides ₦150 million to fund the agricultural development initiative led by Bassey Otu’s Administration. This credit scheme is a key pillar of support for the endeavour. The project was initiated in Ndok Community, Ogoja Local Government Area of Cross River State.
It was celebrated during an official ceremony over the weekend, according to a report. Governor Otu emphasized his firm commitment to transforming the agricultural industry within his Administration. He stressed the importance of working closely with rice farmers to develop the vast 50,000 hectares of land. He mentioned that they are currently working with farmers in various groups as part of their agricultural transformation. Their primary focus is on quickly growing crops such as rice, cocoa, and cassava.
Farmers were assured of complete backing from the Government.
Additionally, they are moving forward with plans to establish oil palm and rubber plantations. Recognizing the vital significance of securing food and energy resources, Governor Otu gave his assurance to farmers that they would receive complete backing from the Government. Their dedication is to collaborate with each farmer and guarantee the supply of necessary resources. This promise also extends to the traditional leaders. Rest assured of their unwavering commitment to this cause for the long term.
More so, he mentioned the creation of a credit-guarantee scheme to ease the process of providing financial aid to committed farmers. The governor emphasized that the program operates autonomously from the Government, highlighting the recurring budget of ₦150 million dedicated to the project each month. He motivated people to seize the chance to improve productivity by stressing the importance of actively participating in agricultural activities. Governor Otu emphasized the importance of proactive measures instead of relying on handouts.
Cross River’s dedication to establishing agric as the economy’s foundation.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the State has been blessed with plentiful resources from a higher power. He stressed the necessity of hard work and diligence in order to make the most of these gifts. State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Johnson Ebekpo, outlined the Government’s strategic plan for agricultural growth in a recent presentation. He stressed the necessity of transparent guidelines in order to entice private sector funding, and detailed Cross River’s dedication to establishing agriculture as the foundation of the economy.
New tractors have been acquired to improve mechanization efforts with significant investments. These tractors will be distributed across various local government areas in Cross River State and will be operated by cooperatives made up of both male and female members. He mentioned that the goal of the program is to give young people the tools they need to succeed while also helping small-scale farmers expand their businesses. Madam Agatha, a farmer specializing in rice clusters, thanked Governor Otu for his initiative during her speech.
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She pointed out that the State’s rice mill is not being used to its full potential because of productivity challenges, but also mentioned the opportunities for higher production levels. Emmanuel Anoh, head of the Cross River State chapter of the Rice Farmers Association, anticipated a harvest of at least 6 tons of rice per hectare, equating to 140 bags of 50kg rice per hectare. He emphasized that this dramatic boost in production had the potential to revolutionize the food sector in Nigeria. Anoh commended the Cross River State Government for their committed actions and was optimistic about the beneficial results that would positively impact the people as a result of these praiseworthy projects.
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