By Christian Njoku
The government of Cross River on Thursday presented a strategic development plan for cocoa, coffee and oil palm production, following the deadline of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Mr Johnson Ebokpo, Cross River’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development presented the plan at a Multi-Stakeholders Committee Validation workshop in Calabar.
The workshop witnessed the attendance of key agencies in the state including international organisations such as the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).
In his keynote address, Ebokpo said that agriculture had been the backbone of the state’s economy, adding that the seven-year development plan for the crops would improve food security.
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He stated that the plan held an immense promise, not only as foreign exchange earners but also as catalysts for rural development, and poverty reduction in the state.
According to him, to realise the potential of these crops, a coordinated and strategic approach is required, one that addresses challenges across the entire value chain while embracing innovation and sustainability.
Ebokpo said that the draft plan reflected extensive consultations and rigorous research, explaining that it is a roadmap to unlock the potential of the three critical crops through a value chain approach.
He said that the approach prioritised productivity, sustainability and market competitiveness.
‘’The plan highlights key areas such as productivity enhancement, market development, sustainability and traceability, institutional strengthening and strengthening partnership,’’ he said.
Speaking also, Prof Susan Ohen, Chairman, Multi-Stakeholders Committee said the crops concerned generated revenue and employment for the state, adding that without a strategic plan for them, there would be problems.
According to her, the plan showed that there should be environmental sustainability, value addition and proper regulation for effectiveness.
Ohen said the plan which aligned with the national agriculture plan and Sustainable Development Goals would help attract funding, enhance regional and global collaboration and address sectoral challenges.
On his part, Mr Godwin Okwu, National Secretary of Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), asserted that the state had no reason to be looked at as a poor state.
According to him, the state has all it takes to compete with the richest states; we have the forests, cocoa and coffee.
‘’Today every part of our state has the capacity to grow exportable crops that can make us rich; we are creating awareness and many people are coming back to our rural areas for agriculture.
‘’This will reduce rural urban migration and increase resources in the hands of our farmers, that is why this strategic planning is necessary,” he said.
(NAN)
