Hardship: Gov Otu allocates 150million naira for Agic Development in cross River

By Ene Ene, Calabar

The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu, in a bid to reduce hunger and hardship among the people of the state, has allocated over150million naira for the Development agriculture in the state.

Otu initiated a large-scale rice cultivation project, which covers an approximate 50,000 hectares of land.

The governor, Otu made this known at the weekend in Ndok Community in Ogoja local government area of the State, where he officially marked the commencement of the project, affirming his administration’s readiness and dedication to revolutionize the agricultural sector in the state.

He emphasized the direct collaboration with rice farmers to cultivate the extensive 50,000 hectares, adding that the endeavour is supported by a credit scheme

“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.” He said.

Acknowledging the critical importance of food and energy security, Governor Otu also assured farmers of the government’s full support,”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. A credit guarantee scheme has been established to facilitate financial assistance for dedicated farmers”.

Otu also 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, he maintained.

Earlier in a remark, The State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Mr. Johnson Ebekpo, however emphasized on the government’s strategic approach to agricultural development.

He noted the importance of clear policies to attract private sector investments, and outlined Cross River’s commitment to making agriculture the cornerstone of the economy.