Gov Otu sets up committee to distribute 3.5 million oil palm sprouted nuts to farmers

Cross River State Government has successfully procured 3.5 million improved Oil Palm sprouted nuts from the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) and concluded plans for distribution to interested Oil Palm farmers across the State at the cost of 100 naira per nut.

This is in fulfilment of Governor Bassey Otu’s vision of boosting the Oil Palm sector of the State and a consequent approval for procurement of 3.5 million oil palm sprouted nuts (Tenera Variety) by the Executive Council.

According to Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, on Wednesday, the Governor has set up a multi-sectorial Committee to see to the distribution of the nuts.

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“To ensure an effective exercise as well as monitoring of the nursery development, a multi-sectorial Committee has been set up comprising the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Extension Officers of the Cross River Agricultural Development Programme, Agric Officers from Agric Department of the Local Government Councils, Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria, Cross River State, Key partners like Solidaridad, PIND and Food Systems Land Use Restoration-Impact Project (FOLUR-IP) of the FAO.

“The Committee will proceed in earnest with training and capacity building of enumerators, community engagements, profiling and engagement of farmers in the three senatorial districts of the State, distribution and development of the sprouted nuts.

“Government hereby assures Cross Riverians of a transparent process and calls for maximum cooperation with the Committee to ensure a successful exercise and achievement of its overall goal,” Ebokpo said.