Cross River State Governor, Senator Benedict Ayade stated that, Every farmer in the State must own a Farm in order for food security and Sustainability in Nigeria.
The Governor who was represented by the Honorable Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ntufam Okon Owuna, made this statement at the Flag-off of the 2020 Rice Farmers Association of Nigeria (RIFAN) Wet season Rice Farming programme in Calabar.
Ntufam Okon said that, the state has done so much in achieving President Buhari’s Rice Revolution Policy by the establishment of Rice Seeds and Seedlings Factory, purchasing of Mechanized farming equipments, assist farmers in land development and the establishment of Vitaminized Rice Factory for the production of Rice proudce.
He added that, the State in partnership with Central Bank of Nigeria has provided loan Facilities to farmers to purchase their farm imputs (Fertilizers, water pumps, insecticides seedlings, adding that, one thousand (1000) youths have been engaged in rice cultivation in the three senatorial district.
Reacting to the flag off, The Special adviser on Agriculture and Rice value chain Development, Emmanuel Anoh, hailed His excellency for his commitment and support towards the Farmers in the state, he also added that the policy of Senator Ben Ayade is anchored on insuring that famers in CRS should see Farming as a business, to make money, produce rice and sell to people”
Mr Anoh, encouraged farmers to keep to payments of their loans once they harvest, he disclosed that those who are duly validated and qualified for the loan will be given their materials which are 4 bags of Fertilizers, MPK special blend, organic Fertilizers 2 liters amongst others..
He added that the partnership between RIFAN and Central Bank on Nigeria is yielding dividends and it is focused on achieving self sustainability in rice cultivation in Nigeria.