Governor Otu Flags Off Outgrowers Rice Harvest in Bekwarra

Bekwarra, Cross River – As part of efforts to bolster agricultural productivity and food security, Cross River State Governor, Apostle Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, on Friday, flagged off the harvest of the Outgrowers Rice Farm in Ugboro, Bekwarra Local Government Area.

The 5,000-hectare initiative forms the initial phase of a larger 50,000-hectare project aimed at positioning the state as a leader in rice production.

Representing the governor at the event, the Senior Special Adviser on Agriculture, Prof. John Shiyam, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to revitalising agriculture as a key driver of economic development. He noted that deliberate policies have been implemented to equip farmers with modern technology and mechanised tools to enhance rice production.

Prof. Shiyam highlighted the introduction of a grower credit scheme to facilitate access to funding and advanced machinery, improving productivity and socioeconomic well-being. He linked the initiative to President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to eradicate poverty and hunger through affordable food production.

Special Adviser on Rice Value Chain Development, Mr Emmanuel Anoh, described the project as a critical step in strengthening Cross River State’s position in rice production. He emphasised sustained support through training, farm inputs, and credit schemes for farmers, particularly women, and youth, in subsequent farming seasons.

Farmers at the event expressed gratitude for the government’s intervention, with a call for continued investments in modernisation and mechanisation to further boost yields and profitability.