The Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development has directed all cocoa, coffee, oil palm, and rubber farmers across the state to participate in an ongoing Traceability Registration Exercise, describing the initiative as vital for sustaining access to international markets.
In a public announcement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Eld. Odey Ikongah, the Ministry stated that the exercise is designed to ensure that agricultural produce from Cross River State meets global standards and remains eligible for export.
Ikongah disclosed that trained enumerators have been deployed to farms and communities across all local government areas to carry out the registration process.
He urged farmers to cooperate fully with the officials to ensure seamless data capture. As part of the requirements, farmers are expected to present a valid means of identification, specifically their National Identification Number (NIN) slip or Voter’s Card, at their farms during the exercise. The Ministry warned that failure to provide proper identification could lead to exclusion from the registration, which may in turn affect access to government support programmes and other benefits.
The statement further emphasized that farmers operating within government-owned farm estates must participate fully in the exercise or risk losing their farm allocations. It also highlighted the need for accurate and complete information, noting that such data would determine eligibility for future government interventions.
Reassuring stakeholders, the Permanent Secretary stressed that the registration process is entirely free of charge.
He cautioned Farmers against making payments to unauthorized individuals claiming to facilitate the exercise and advised them to contact the Director of Agriculture in their respective local government areas or call 08063132448 for inquiries or assistance, farmers have been advised
Blessing Enagu
