The Cross River State Government has intensified efforts to expand agricultural production by placing smallholder farmers at the centre of its economic transformation agenda.
The Deputy Governor, Peter Odey, who represented Governor Bassey Otu, disclosed this at the 21st edition of the Leboku International New Yam Festival held at the Yakurr Peace Stadium in Ugep.
Odey said the administration was implementing a comprehensive agricultural intervention programme aimed at increasing production, improving productivity and making farming more profitable for smallholder farmers.
He said the initiative includes the development of cluster farms supported by revolving loans, as well as the provision of tractors, ploughing equipment and other machinery to enable farmers cultivate larger areas.
According to him, the government is seeking to reposition agriculture from subsistence farming to a commercially viable venture capable of creating jobs, increasing household incomes and strengthening communities across the state.
“Our objective is to move our farmers from subsistence agriculture to commercial farming. We want our people not merely to farm to feed themselves, but to farm as a business, create wealth and contribute significantly to the economy of Cross River State,” he said.
Odey said the state’s agricultural policy was aligned with the broader objectives of the People First Agenda and the Green Economy Revolution, noting that access to finance, mechanization and reliable markets would be critical to achieving the desired transformation.
He also disclosed that the state government had introduced a Public-Private Partnership investment programme estimated at ₦70 billion and $1.075 billion.
Agriculture, he said, accounts for the largest component of the investment package, underscoring the administration’s priority for the sector.
Odey said the government’s vision was to develop an agricultural economy capable of improving rural livelihoods while providing raw materials for industries, increasing exports and stimulating growth in agro-processing, transportation, logistics and marketing.
He made the remarks in connection with this year’s Leboku theme, “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,” which he said reflected the administration’s ambition to link the state’s cultural heritage with economic development.
The Deputy Governor, however, stressed that sustainable agricultural and economic development depended on peace and stability within communities.
He therefore urged traditional rulers and community leaders in Yakurr to protect their cultural heritage and work to prevent conflicts.
Odey warned that the government would take action against traditional institutions whose domains became engulfed in persistent disorder.
“Tourism and economic development cannot thrive in a volatile or chaotic environment. We will therefore not hesitate to withdraw the Certificate of Recognition of any royal father whose domain becomes engulfed in a breakdown of peace,” he said.
He called on Village Heads, Clan Heads, Paramount Rulers and residents to embrace dialogue and reconciliation in resolving disputes, stressing that peace would improve Yakurr’s prospects for agricultural development, tourism, investment and the creative economy.
Odey said a peaceful and stable Yakurr would be better positioned to attract investors, expand agricultural production and unlock the economic opportunities associated with its rich cultural heritage.
