The Cross River State Government has announced plans to commence a comprehensive training programme for coffee farmers across the state ahead of the distribution of coffee seedlings scheduled for July, as part of ongoing efforts to revive the state's coffee industry and position it as a major player in Nigeria's agricultural export market.
The capacity-building initiative, coordinated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, is designed to equip farmers with modern coffee cultivation techniques, agronomic practices, and value-chain knowledge necessary for successful coffee production. The training will target registered coffee farmers, prospective growers, agricultural extension officers, and other stakeholders involved in the coffee sector.
According to the state government, the programme forms a critical component of Governor Bassey Otu's agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to diversify the state's economy, increase non-oil exports, create employment opportunities, and improve the livelihoods of rural farmers. The administration views coffee production as a strategic commodity capable of generating substantial income and attracting foreign investment into the state.
The training is expected to cover key aspects of coffee farming, including site selection, nursery management, transplanting techniques, pest and disease control, irrigation practices, weed management, pruning methods, and post-harvest handling. Participants will also receive guidance on sustainable farming methods and international best practices required to meet global coffee market standards.
The initiative comes as Cross River intensifies efforts to implement its ambitious coffee revolution programme, which aims to distribute and cultivate millions of Arabica and Robusta coffee seedlings across the state's 18 local government areas. The programme is being implemented in partnership with agribusiness firm JR Farms and other development partners to ensure technical support, market access, and long-term sustainability.
Government officials disclosed that thousands of farmers have already been profiled and onboarded into the programme. The state expects the coffee project to create jobs, stimulate rural development, increase household incomes, and re-establish Cross River as Nigeria's leading coffee-producing state.
Beyond seedling distribution, authorities say plans are underway to establish coffee processing and washing stations in strategic locations across the state. Additional training programmes will also be conducted to support farmers on harvesting, sorting, processing, drying, and marketing their produce. These measures are expected to strengthen the entire coffee value chain and improve farmers' access to both local and international markets.
Agriculture stakeholders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a major step towards unlocking the state's agricultural potential and creating a sustainable export-oriented coffee industry. They expressed optimism that with proper training and support, Cross River farmers would be well-positioned to compete in the global coffee market and benefit from rising international demand for quality coffee products.
The July seedling distribution exercise is expected to mark another milestone in the state's broader agricultural development strategy, which emphasizes commercial farming, value addition, food security, and rural economic growth.
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