Gov. Bassey Otu during the inauguration of the 50,000 hectares rice initiative at Ndek, Ogoja LGA.
By Anietie Akpan
The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, has initiated a large-scale rice cultivation revolution project that can feed Nigeria and export for foreign exchange earnings.
The project which was inaugurated at weekend in Ndok community, Ogoja Local Government Area of the state,
spans 50,000 hectares and is supported by a credit scheme in which the state allocates N150 million monthly towards agricultural development initiatives.
In a press release by his Chief Press Secretary, Nsa Gill, Governor Otu affirmed his administration’s unwavering dedication to revolutionising the agricultural sector, emphasised the direct collaboration with rice farmers to cultivate the extensive 50,000 hectares.
He said, “we are engaging with groups of farmers, as part of our agricultural revolution, focusing initially on short-term cash crops like rice, cocoa, and cassava.
“We are also progressing towards the development of oil palm and rubber plantations.”
Acknowledging the critical importance of food and energy security, Governor Otu also assured farmers of the government’s full support, saying, “we are committed to working along with every farmer, and ensuring the provision of essential resources.
“I extend this assurance to the traditional leaders. I emphasise our long-term commitment to this course” as a credit-guarantee scheme has been established to facilitate financial assistance for dedicated farmers.
Cross River governor highlighted the scheme’s independence from the government, underlining the monthly allocation of N150 million towards the initiative.
He encouraged individuals to seize the opportunity to enhance productivity, emphasising the need for proactive engagement in agriculture.
Governor Otu urged individuals to take action, rather than passively waiting for sustenance, while he noted that there were abundant resources bestowed upon the state by divine providence, and said there was the need for industrious efforts.
The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Mr. Johnson Ebekpo Jnr., earlier in his remarks, detailed the government’s strategic approach to agricultural development.
He emphasised the importance of clear policies to attract private sector investments, and outlined Cross River’s commitment to making agriculture the cornerstone of the economy.
Ebekpo said, “significant investments have been made in acquiring new tractors to enhance mechanisation efforts. The tractors, being distributed across the local government areas in Cross River State, will be managed by cooperatives, comprising men and women.
“The initiative aims to empower the youths while supporting small-holder farmers in scaling up their operations.”
A rice-cluster farmer, Madam Agatha, while also speaking, expressed gratitude to Governor Otu for the initiative, and she highlighted the underutilization of the state’s rice mill, due to productivity constraints, while emphasising the potential for increased production.
The Chairman of the Rice Farmers Association in Cross River, Emmanuel Anoh, projected a minimum rice yield of 6 tonnes per hectare, translating to 140 bags of 50kg rice per hectare, while stressing that the significant increase in production capacity was poised to transform the food industry in Nigeria.
Anoh also hailed Cross River state government’s dedicated efforts, and expressed confidence in the positive outcomes that would benefit the populace from the laudable initiatives.
