The Cross River State Government has opened discussions with the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) on strengthening collaboration to expand agricultural financing, mechanisation and other opportunities for farmers and stakeholders across the state’s agricultural value chain.
The engagement was led by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Dodeye Arikpo, during a strategic meeting with the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank of Agriculture, Mr. Ayo Sotinrin, at the bank’s headquarters in Abuja.
The discussions centred on ways the bank could support the state’s agricultural development agenda, particularly through improved access to agricultural finance, hybrid seeds, farming implements and mechanisation services.
The meeting also explored lease-to-own arrangements that would enable farmers and other agricultural stakeholders gain access to tractors and other mechanical equipment, thereby reducing some of the constraints associated with agricultural production.
Arikpo emphasised the need to create more opportunities for young people, women and skilled persons in Cross River State to participate meaningfully in agriculture and agribusiness.
Responding, the BOA Managing Director highlighted the bank’s existing interventions targeted at women, youth and skilled participants across various segments of the agricultural value chain, indicating areas where such initiatives could align with the state’s priorities.
The meeting further examined potential areas of collaboration, including farmer aggregation, agricultural mechanisation, agro-processing and value addition, priority agricultural value chains, market linkages and the development of bankable agricultural projects.
The parties also considered the need for practical financing models that would enable farmers and agribusiness operators access the resources required to increase production, improve processing and strengthen their participation in agricultural markets.
As a follow-up to the meeting, the state government and BOA are expected to hold a technical engagement involving relevant officials from both institutions.
The proposed technical session will identify priority opportunities, appropriate financing instruments, implementation requirements and measurable outcomes for the proposed areas of collaboration.
The engagement forms part of Commissioner Arikpo’s efforts to strengthen intergovernmental partnerships and align external institutional support with the development priorities of the Cross River State Government.
It is also expected to provide a framework for translating the state’s agricultural priorities into practical opportunities and measurable benefits for farmers, young people, women and other participants across the agricultural value chain.
By Gift Otudor
