Cross River State is gearing up for a significant agricultural transformation, poised to create a wealth of opportunities for local farmers and agribusinesses.
Governor Bassey Otu has unveiled ambitious plans to establish new agricultural estates across the state, focusing on high-value cash crops like coffee, oil palm, and cocoa, aiming to reposition Cross River as a global agricultural export powerhouse.
This strategic move isn't just about cultivating more land; it's about building a robust ecosystem to support the entire agricultural value chain.
The Governor announced the upcoming establishment of a dedicated Cash Crop Development Agency within four months and the constitution of a Produce Inspection Board within three months.
These new bodies are crucial for streamlining processes, ensuring quality control, and providing the necessary institutional support that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agricultural sector often lack.
The plan, presented by the Multi-Stakeholder Committee on Strategic Plan Development, emphasizes sustainable and traceable agro-production designed to meet global standards.
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Prof. Susan Ohen, Chairperson of the Strategic Committee, highlighted that the framework incorporates traceability and certification requirements – a critical step for local producers aiming to access lucrative international markets. For small farmers and processors, this means an opportunity to add significant value to their products and secure higher returns.
Governor Otu confirmed that the establishment of these estates will involve collaboration with development partners, leveraging their technical expertise and support to shape the strategic roadmap.
Engagements with investors are slated to begin in July 2025, signaling a serious commitment to attracting the necessary capital for these large-scale projects. This also creates potential for local businesses to partner in various capacities, from supply chain management to service provision.
"Together, we want to build a Cross River that feeds, employs, exports, and thrives beginning with the soil beneath our feet," Governor Otu declared, underscoring his vision for an economically vibrant state powered by agriculture.
This comprehensive strategy is set to open new doors for agri-preneurs, providing the framework and support needed to not only boost local production but also secure a dominant position in the global agricultural export market.
