The wife of the Governor of Cross River State, and coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support programme in the State, Bishop (Dr) Eyoanwan Otu, has kicked off the empowerment of 320 farmers and 30 schools across the State in an effort to boost food security.
The Renewed Hope Initiative Agricultural Support programme is the pet project of Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of President Bola Tinubu.
Speaking in Calabar, Wednesday in a press briefing, Bishop Otu said the training of beneficiaries would commence on Monday next week and that her office received from the national body the sum of N68.9 million to facilitate the programme which, she said, is divided into four categories.
The categories, she said, include The Women Agricultural Support Programme (WASP), Youths Agricultural Support Programme, Every Home a Garden Initiative and Young Farmers Club in schools.
Represented by her Chief Press Secretary, Mrs Faith Okon-Egbujiem, the Governor’s wife noted further that “these four agricultural initiatives are holistically aimed at fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing food security across the nation.
“It provides each participant with an opportunity to expand their agriculture venture while contributing to local and national food production.
“For Cross River State, this programme will Carter for 200 women, one from each political wards, who will be trained according to their preferences on crop production, fishery and poultry farming.
“Each of the trainee on fish farming will be empowered with 200 juveniles, one fibre tanks, 2 bags of feeds and medication; Those for poultry will get 50 day old chicks 2 bags of starter feeds and 2 bags of fisher feeds, while those for crop production will be empowered with improved seeds, okra, pumpkin seeds, organic fertilizers, watering cans.”
According to her, 60 youths and another 60 homes would also be empowered while the Young Farmers Club, which would seek to revitalize school farming with a view to encouraging young people to see agriculture as a career path, targets 30 schools across the State.
Our Correspondent gathered that the Renewed Hope Initiative Agriculture Support Programme is collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Cross River State ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development as well as the Office of the Wife of the Governor for effective delivery of the programmes’ objectives.
Starter packs and other items meant for beneficiaries of the programme were also exhibited.