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Cross River Gov't Sets Sights on Agricultural Transformation

The administration of His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is steadfast in its mission to catalyze an agricultural revolution in Cross River State, harnessing the region’s rich agrarian potential and comparative advantage in cash crop production.

To achieve this vision, the governor had (about 10 months ago) inaugurated a high-powered committee to craft a comprehensive seven-year strategic plan focused on the cultivation and expansion of cocoa, coffee, and oil palm.

Chaired by Prof. Susan Ohen, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Calabar, the committee brings together a multidisciplinary team of experts, including representatives from key agencies, institutions, and allied sectors. With the resources and expertise at its disposal, the committee is poised to deliver a plan that will yield measurable and sustainable benefits for the people of Cross River State and beyond.

Once completed, the strategic plan is expected to empower farmers, boost agricultural productivity, and firmly position the state as a leading producer of these globally significant cash crops.

As part of its preparations, the committee has undertaken extensive groundwork, including data collection and study tours to renowned research institutions such as the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), and Wilmar. Armed with this knowledge, the committee is now set to present a draft strategic plan for stakeholder review and validation.

According to the committee secretary, Ntufam Ekpe Bassey, who is also the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, the validation meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 30, and Friday, January 31, 2025, at Axari Hotel, Calabar.

The strategic document will serve as a detailed roadmap to attract high-value investments, maximize value addition, and position Cross River State to compete effectively in global markets. This marks a transformative milestone for the agricultural sector, signaling a shift towards sustainable growth and economic diversification.

The progress achieved so far underscores the visionary leadership of Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu and the proactive drive of Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development. Their commitment to impactful policies is setting the stage for a new era of agricultural excellence in Cross River State.

With this bold initiative, Cross River State is firmly on the path to achieving a sustainable agricultural transformation, unlocking its potential to become a hub for cocoa, coffee, and oil palm production in Nigeria and the global market.

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