Ukorebi Esien | 6th September 2023
During a two-day International Cooperation and Investment Summit held at the Calabar International Conference Centre, the Cross River State Government announced its readiness to welcome investors while aiming to enhance agricultural production and income through the application of technology.
Named the "Paradigm Shift" Summit, it featured panelists and partners from organizations such as the African Development Bank, ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Cooperation, FHi360, IITA, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, UNIDO, NIRSAL PLC, Arise IIP, W.H.O., and others.
In his keynote address, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, emphasized that this summit, a first of its kind in Cross River state, aligns with his 'People First' agenda. This agenda seeks to establish a private-sector-led economy in the state, fostering wealth and job creation, infrastructure development, public sector reforms, agricultural value chains, and poverty reduction.
During a breakout session, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, the Commissioner for Crops and Irrigation Development, discussed the significance of ICT in Agribusiness and the promising investment opportunities in agriculture. He emphasized the importance of efficiently processing crops like cassava, maize, cocoa, rice, rubber, oil palm, sesame, and coconut. These crops fall under the purview of the Crops and Irrigation Development ministry, and Commissioner Ebokpo stressed the need for a systematic approach to eliminate waste and increase productivity.
He outlined the state government's initiatives under his leadership and highlighted the potential agribusiness opportunities for investors. He also revealed Governor Otu's plan to launch "Project Grow," a digital agric credit guarantee fund aimed at facilitating access to funds for farmers. The project's digital nature allows funds to serve as collateral for suppliers of specified crops to the state government via the Ministry of Crops and Irrigations Development. Upon successful deliveries, funds are credited directly to the farmers.
Commissioner Ebokpo also mentioned plans to collaborate with network providers to extend internet services to rural villages, enabling farmers to conduct transactions seamlessly once the project is initiated. This, he believes, will level the playing field for all farmers and contribute to the program's success."
Source: JAE Media