Cross River State Governor Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, is seeking to distribute N150 million to support agriculture credit scheme in the state.
The state Agricultural sector has witnessed a significant neglect over the past years, with little or no funds allocated to the farmers.
The city’s farmers are overwhelmed, and many are calling for government attention and more funding to address the issue.
According to a report from the state ministry of information news website, Governor Otu has promised to allocate N150m every month to support farmers.
It said, this was In line with the State Government’s policy to revamp agriculture and promote self-sufficiency in food production.
Governor Otu made the promise during flag-off of the Cross River Rice Farm Project on Friday.
Also, the flag-off marks the commencement of a comprehensive rice value chain in the State.
For instance, the innovative new program is seeking to boost the city’s agricultural productivity, food security, and employment opportunities.
According the report, the proposed 50 hectares rice farm is located in Ndok community, Ogoja LGA in the northern Senatorial District of the state.
Truth Live News gathered that Gov. Otu is seeking to reposition the state as the food basket of Nigeria, given it vast agrarian endowment.
Therefore, with a gut feeling of having made a good decision he said:
“The reforms we have put in place is aimed at scaling up agriculture as the mainstay of the state’s economy.”
“We recognize the immense potential in the agricultural sector and the significant impact it can have on the state’s development.
“Therefore, a series of strategic measures have been put in place to promote and support agricultural activities.”
After all, Cross River was the engine room of prosperity through agriculture in the eastern days.
And so, “that’s why we have made deliberate policies to enhance agriculture revolution in the state.”
Meanwhile, “We have identified some short term crops, to start with immediately, the first is rice which will be followed by cassava and maize.”
Governor Otu said one of the key aspects of his reforms is the provision of necessary infrastructure and resources to enhance agricultural productivity.
Thus he said they have invested in modernizing and mechanizing farming operations.
“This is to ensure that farmers have access to advanced machinery, tools, and equipment,” he explained.
“This will not only increases efficiency but also reduces labor-intensive processes.”
He noted that it will make agriculture more attractive and profitable for farmers.
“The assurance for farmers is that we are coming to work with you, we will supply all you need,” the Governor stated.
Furthermore, “We have introduced a credit guarantee scheme, to provide farmers with the necessary funds to invest in their farms and expand their operations.
“This is to further support farmers, having recognized that lack of capital can be a major obstacle for agricultural development,”
In conclusion, he said: “We came in to serve the people, the people are number one in all our programs.”
Nevertheless, “This flag off is only the beginning, we will open up other locations designated for other crops”, he added.
Meanwhile, the Zenith Bank, regional Manager, Mrs Ekanem Asuquo, has expressed Zenith bank’s and other Banks readiness to support the agricultural revolution in the State.
She made the promise during the event.
She expressed optimism over Sen. Otu’s willingness to empower indigene and liberate Cross Riverians from poverty.
Again, she reiterated that if properly harnessed, Agriculture would eliminate the over dependency on political appointments.
The flag-off brought together senior government functionaries, representatives from private sector, APC state chairmen, Traditional Rulers and other agro stakeholders.