By Ovat Lawrence
Cross River State Government has flagged off distribution of fertilisers to farmers in the state in order to boost crop production and ensure food security in the State.
Flagging the distribution in a symbolic exercise held in the premises of Ikom Local Government Council for farmers within the Central senatorial district, the Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, forestry and and natural resources, Hon.Bette Philip Obi emphasized the administration’s intentional focus in restructuring the state’s economy and improving the lives of Cross Riverians through the agricultural sector.
He remarked that the free distribution of fertilisers is aimed at reviving unproductive soil for increased yield and to address food insecurity, while admonishing benefiting farmers not to sell the inputs but rather make judicious use of the inputs to enable them upscale crop production.
Hon. Obi appreciated Governor Bassey Otu for facilitating the delivery of the fertilisers to the State and lauded Commissioner Johnson Ebokpo for setting up an inclusive committee with a well tailored template that will ensure a hitch free distribution in the State.
Speaking earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of agriculture and irrigation development, Mr. Ekpe Bassey reflected with nostalgia, the critical role played by the agricultural sector in sustaining the economy.
He outlined a comprehensive
approach adopted by the administration of His Excellency, Senator Bassey Edet Otu in transforming the sector ranging from the state- wide soil mapping / fertility test, land development, procurement of 108 Mini tractors for small holder farmers, launching of Project Grow which is designed to help farmers access finance, to the recent being the free distribution of NPK and Urea fertilisers to real farmers across the state.
Ebokpo disclosed that for the purpose of the symbolic distribution the Extension Agents of the Cross River State Agricultural Development Programme, made use of their data base and carefully selected two farmers each from the 43 wards of Ikom, Obubra, Boki and Etung Local Government Areas totalling 86 farmers.
Speaking further, the Commissioner informed that a template will be followed for actual distribution in collaboration with heads of value chains, farmer groups, Heads of Local Government Administration, traditional rulers and other stakeholders for a seamless exercise. He therefore urged beneficiaries to make use of the rare opportunity provided to increase their production and fight the challenge of food insecurity in the state while appreciating His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu for his magnanimous tendency towards Cross Riverians.
In his goodwill message, the Paramount Ruler of Ikom, HRM. Minen Takon Atamgba Mkpa, expressed gratitude to the Governor and optimism towards the Governor’s agricultural initiatives, pledging more support for the present administration.
The event drew critical stakeholders from different value chains as they equally presented good will messages. Notably were the State Coordinator for Cassava Value chain, venerable Augustine Oqua, Head of Local Government Administration, Ikom Elder Jonah Ikpi, HOLGA of Obubra MR.Ibangha Ike, HOLGA of Etung ,MR. Tony Edeh, and The State Chairman CFAN, Dr. Tiku Ndep.
Others were: State Chairman, farmers council of Nigeria, Mr. Owen Oyama, the National Secretary of CFAN, Comr.Bassey Agbor Njar, State Chairman Cocoa and Coffee value chain, Dr. Assam Assam among others.
Some farmers who received the fertilisers thanked government for the timely distribution and called for more support to the local farmers.
