The Cross River State Government has commenced the distribution of 3,600 bags of improved soybean and cowpea seeds to farmers across the state, as part of efforts to increase food production, improve nutrition and raise farmers’ incomes.
The distribution began at the State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development in Calabar and represents the second phase of the state’s cowpea seed programme, with soybean now added as another agricultural value chain.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, said 300 of the 3,600 bags would be reserved for breeding, while the remaining seeds would be distributed to farmers for cultivation.
According to him, the programme is being structured around farmers’ associations, research institutions and the Nigerian Agricultural Seed Council to ensure that farmers have access to quality and certified seeds in subsequent planting seasons.
Ebokpo also disclosed that the state government had approved the establishment of an outstation of the Institute of Agricultural Research at Yanya in Bekwarra Local Government Area. The facility is expected to provide technical and research support to farmers.
The commissioner said the government was also putting measures in place to guarantee a market for farmers after harvest. He explained that the state would buy back cowpea produced by farmers, while soybean growers would be connected with industrial off-takers through Project Grow.
State Project Coordinator of Project Grow, Denis Ikpali, said there was already a ready market for soybean produced in Cross River, adding that an off-take arrangement had been secured with Flour Mills of Nigeria for large-scale supply.
Ikpali said farmers could take their harvested soybean to the nearest Project Grow centre for purchase, urging beneficiaries to make effective use of the opportunity created by the programme.
The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Odey Ikongah, said the initiative was designed to strengthen the soybean and cowpea value chains and improve the availability of the crops for both farmers and consumers.
The Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Professor John Shiyam, said soybean and cowpea could be cultivated across the different agricultural zones of the state, describing the crops as important for food, nutrition and economic empowerment.
Meanwhile, Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria in Cross River State, Nyiam Bisong, urged beneficiaries to plant the seeds immediately. He warned that the treated seeds were strictly for planting and should not be consumed.
He said the crops could mature within 90 to 120 days under proper cultivation, encouraging farmers to take advantage of the programme and available market opportunities.
Post A Comment: