Cross River State has approved a ₦525.3 million project to upgrade the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) outstation at Mile 6, Obubra Local Government Area, in a move aimed at strengthening agricultural research, food security and agribusiness development.
The approval was granted at the state’s Executive Council meeting on Tuesday, July 28, following a memorandum presented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo.
The project will involve the construction of a modern administrative and laboratory complex, staff accommodation and supporting infrastructure for the Root Crops Research Institute outstation.
According to the state government, the investment is aligned with national agricultural priorities and is designed to deepen research, expand local seed production and accelerate the adoption of climate-smart farming practices across Cross River.
The state government said the project is particularly significant given Cross River’s position as a major producer of root crops, including cassava, yam and sweet potato.
The Obubra-Ikom agricultural corridor, officials noted, provides favourable conditions for testing improved crop varieties and multiplying certified planting materials before distribution to farmers.
A key component of the initiative is a proposed partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), which will introduce Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology at the upgraded facility.
The technology is expected to support the rapid multiplication of high-quality, disease-free planting materials, helping farmers gain access to improved and certified varieties while reducing some of the challenges associated with conventional seed multiplication.
The state government believes the collaboration will help bridge the gap between agricultural research and practical benefits for farmers by ensuring that innovations developed through research are translated into increased productivity and stronger food systems.
The investment is also expected to help attract additional funding from the Federal Government and international development partners, given that the National Root Crops Research Institute is a federal research institution.
Beyond agricultural research, the Cross River Government said the project could generate wider economic opportunities by attracting private-sector investment, promoting youth agripreneurship and supporting mechanisation and value-added agribusiness along the Obubra-Ikom corridor.
The approved project scope includes site preparation, construction of the administrative and laboratory facilities, staff accommodation and supporting utilities.
Implementation is expected to commence once funds are released.
For the administration of Governor Bassey Otu, the project is part of a broader strategy to use agriculture as a foundation for sustainable economic development in the state.
The state Executive Council reaffirmed its commitment to investing in institutions and infrastructure capable of delivering long-term agricultural growth, with the Root Crops Research Institute project positioned as a key component of Cross River’s strategy to strengthen food production, research and agribusiness.
