Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has officially launched a groundbreaking rice plantation project in Ogoja, marking a significant milestone in the state’s agricultural revitalization efforts.
Addressing a gathering of community leaders, farmers, and stakeholders at the launch event, Governor Otu reaffirms the government’s commitment to ensuring food and energy security through agricultural initiatives.
He emphasized collaboration with farmers and the private sector to maximize productivity and supply essential resources. “My commitment and assurance to every farmer here is that we are here to collaborate closely with you and ensure that all your needs are met,” Governor Otu.
The Governor emphasized rice, maize, and cassava as topical crops for both local consumption and export, while assuring the royal fathers of the government’s support for farmers without any land acquisition intentions.
He outlined plans for land preparation and a credit facility scheme with commercial banks partner, wherein the government will provide One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira as funding, as benefiting qualified farmers will be selected on the basis of catchment area.
The Governor stressed that ““No one should stay at home and expect to eat” buttresses the importance of personal effort, stating that everyone should work for their own prosperity.
“God has blessed us, let us use our hands for our good”, he added.
Otu also notes that the recently conducted poll showed that Crossriverians are ready to work, and pledged government’s willingness to partner in helping them achieve their desired goal.
Emmanuel Anor, a significant player in the Rice Farm Cluster, stresses the project’s significance in improving food security and boosting economic growth in the region. He emphasizes that beyond providing food, the initiative will positively transform the state’s fortunes for the better.
The event organized under the Cross River Ministry of Agriculture and Crops Irrigation had in attendance Mr. Johnson Ebekpo, the Commissioner for Agriculture, who spoke about Governor Otu’s deep dedication to agriculture. He emphasized that agriculture has always been a top priority for the governor and highlighted his strategic vision for cultivating crops like cocoa, coffee, cassava, and more, with the goal of ensuring a sustainable future for agriculture in the region.
Mr. Ebekpo reveals plans to distribute tractors across the state and clear land in the north for farming purposes. He also stressed the importance of homestead agriculture and cereal grain economy in diversifying agricultural production and boosting farmers’ income.
“We are developing a strategic plan for cocoa, coffee, cassava, and other crops that yield long-term returns. We have identified the gap and there is a plan underway under the PROJECT GROW initiative to address such gaps, providing short-term income. Cassava and maize will offer access to finance to farmers, and with this, we would have made a good start.”
His Royal Majesty Dr. Uchua Amos, the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku, endorsed the project, commending Governor Otu’s economic contributions with Madam Agata Murphy, a prominent stakeholder in the value chain, advocating for a compulsory agricultural practice in schools to address hunger and promote self-sufficiency, joining others in praising the governor’s bold initiative.
The event had in attendance Mrs. Ekanem Asuquo, the Zenith Bank regional manager, reaffirming the bank’s dedication to supporting committed farmers. “Governor Otu promised government-backed financial guarantees” she said.
This initiative speaks volume of the government’s dedication to service delivery, particularly in the area of Agricultural development as Governor Otu announces the construction of a guest house in Nduk to affirm that position and officially launched the rice plantation project, marking a significant step forward in Cross River State’s agricultural resurgence.
Credit Waddenpress
