The Cross River State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, KSM, has announced the commencement of statewide distribution of improved SAMPEA 20-T PBR cowpea seeds to farmers across the state from Monday, September 21, 2026.
Ebokpo, in a statement, said the improved cowpea variety, developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), is expected to boost cowpea production, strengthen food security and improve access to nutritious food, particularly for women and children.
He maintained that SAMPEA 20-T is known for its high genetic purity and resistance to Maruca vitrata, a major pod-borer pest affecting cowpea production adding that the variety has early maturity, improved yield performance and reduced dependence on insecticide applications compared with susceptible conventional varieties.
The Commissioner said the intervention is also aimed at improving farmers’ productivity and livelihoods through increased cowpea production.
He explained further that the distribution would be carried out in collaboration with the state chapters of the Cowpea Farmers Association and Women in Agriculture (WIA), directing interested farmers to proceed to their respective Local Government Councils for documentation and collection of the seeds.
Ebokpo advised farmers to adhere to the designated collection arrangements, stressing that the seeds are strictly for planting purposes and are not meant for human consumption.
By Blessing Enagu
