The Cross River State Government, in collaboration with PULA Advisors, has reviewed the Cross River Agricultural Traceability System (CRAT) to strengthen agricultural data management, promote sustainable production and enhance access to premium global markets.
In a review meeting, chaired by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, featuring a technical presentation by Young Hoon Park of PULA Advisors, stakeholders examined farmer registration, farm mapping, risk assessment and compliance certification.
They agreed to accelerate farmer onboarding, train extension agents and verify farm data ahead of the December 31 European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) deadline adding that CRAT would strengthen transparency, agricultural planning and market access, particularly for cocoa, coffee and oil palm, while positioning Cross River as a model for subnational agricultural traceability in Nigeria.
Appreciating His Excellency's agricultural transformation drive, the various stakeholders took turns to extol the visionary leadership of Gov. Bassey Otu which has continued to deliver sustainable agricultural systems for cross riverians.
Also In attendance were: The Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, forestry and Natural Resources, Hon. Bette Philip Obi; Director General, Cross River Geographic Information Agency, Mr. William Archibong and his technical team; Chairman, Multi stakeholder committee on cocoa, coffee and oil palm, Prof. Susanna Ohen; Chairman, Governing Council, College of Agriculture, Science and Technology, Prof. Gertrude Njar, and a representative from the Bureau of Statistics, among others.
Meanwhile, CRGIA, custodian of the state’s agricultural traceability system, has won the 2026 Nigeria GovTech Public Service Award for Most Improved State GIS/Digital Land Administration, recognising its geospatial expertise and role in developing and managing the Cross River Agricultural Traceability System (CRATS). The win reflects the synergy and collective governance approach of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration.
By Blessing Enagu
