Cross River Showcases Agricultural Achievements

Cross River State ( CRS) is doing the best in her capacity to bring Agriculture back to its lost glory through a quiet number of proactive repositioning to attain  food sustainability for local consumption and export.

Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has made significant efforts to transform the state into an agricultural powerhouse, focusing on key crops like cocoa, oil palm, rice, cassava, fish and now wheat.

The Deputy Governor, Peter Odey shared the state's achievements at the recently concluded Agricutural Council Meeting, pointed out that the repositioning of the sector to attain food security and more economic earnings with strategic investments were important tools to achieve job creation and sustainable productivity.

Odey stated that the profile of the state has tremendously increased to one of the Nigeria’s leading cocoa-producing states with a strong impact in the global market through export.

He pointed out that the cocoa industry in the state has benefited from the state policies and private sector collaborations to achieve improving productivity with value addition just as several initiatives including, distribution of high-yielding cocoa varieties and training programs for farmers towards best agronomics practices have been very helpful.

Additionally, efforts to improve post-harvest, processing and enhance access to international markets have boosted both the attainment of quality and volume of the state's cocoa exports.

Oil palm cultivation is another vital cash crop in Cross River’s agricultural transformation according to the Deputy Governor who pointed out that effort to revive the oil palm with modern productivity techniques is ongoing towards reducing reliance on import as partnership with other private investors was obvious to achieve the produce expansion objective through cultivations of high yielding seeds with modern equipment and improved access to processing mills. 

One outstanding achievement in the agricultural sector on the part of the state is taking climate advantage favourable for wheat production.

Traditionally, wheat farming has not been a staple crop in the region, but the CRS is targeting investments in wheat production for its derivative advantages to advance economic development through partnerships with the FG, international donors, and Lake Chad Research Institute ( LCRI) as over 3,000 farmers are now growing wheat in the state to help Nigeria reduce dependency on its import.

“Our wheat farmers are benefiting from state support, and we are committed to further increasing yields in the coming years. This will contribute to reducing our reliance on wheat imports, enhancing food security, and providing a sustainable source of income for our farmers" said the deputy Governor.

Efforts in rice production have also made a major impact as part of the state’s strategy to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on import with heavy investment in rice farming, providing over 10,000 farmers with access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and modern processing technologies. The state has become a key player in Nigeria’s rice sector according to Odey.

The state’s rice mill, a private, public partnership extablishment is already  playing an important role in adding value to local rice production as jobs were being created to enhance livelihood of rural communities.

Cross River’s rice production is expected to grow by 50% over the next five years, thanks to continued investment in irrigation systems, improved farming techniques, and better market linkages for farmers, said Odey.

Cassava remains a cornerstone of Cross River’s agricultural economy. The state has implemented several initiatives to improve the productivity of cassava through the introduction of high-yielding varieties and the establishment of processing centers.

These centers convert cassava into high-value products such as garri, fufu, and starch, creating jobs and boosting local economies just as Governor Otu’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on the crop value addition, which has had a significant impact on rural communities. Farmers are now earning more on processed products to reduce poverty.

Another emerging area of focus for Cross River State is fish farming. The state is investing in aquaculture as a way to diversify its agricultural base and meet the growing demand for fish in Nigeria. Through training programs and the provision of necessary resources, Cross River is encouraging farmers to engage in fish farming, particularly tilapia and catfish production.

Fish farming has the potential to create thousands of jobs in rural communities, particularly among youth and women, while also helping to meet the increasing demand for affordable protein in the local market. Cross River’s efforts in this sub sector is part of a broader initiative to develop sustainable aquaculture practices and increase domestic fish production.

Throughout its agricultural transformation, Cross River has maintained a strong focus on sustainability. The state has been a pioneer in promoting climate-smart agriculture, using agroecological approaches that help mitigate environmental degradation while boosting agricultural productivity. Integrated farming systems, which combine crop farming, livestock, fish farming, and agroforestry, are being widely adopted by farmers across the state.

In addition, the state has been proactive in engaging youth and women in agriculture, offering training programs and access to financial support for young farmers and women entrepreneurs. These efforts are ensuring that the next generation of farmers is equipped with the skills and resources needed to succeed in modern farming and agribusiness.

One of the key drivers behind Cross River’s agricultural success has been its ability to foster strong public-private partnerships. The state has worked with local and international organizations, including USAID, the African Development Bank (AfDB), and various private investors, to scale up agricultural production and enhance food security. 

By setting a high standard in agricultural innovation and rural empowerment, Cross River State is paving the way for a more resilient and prosperous agricultural future for Nigeria said the Deputy Governor.