The Cross River State Government has stepped up efforts to expand agricultural production by placing smallholder farmers at the centre of its economic transformation programme.
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 already implementing a comprehensive agricultural intervention programme centred on smallholder farmers, with measures designed to increase production, improve productivity and make farming more profitable.
He explained that the initiative includes the development of cluster farms backed by revolving loans, alongside the provision of tractors, ploughing equipment and other machinery to enable farmers cultivate larger areas of land.
According to him, the government is determined to change the perception of farming from a subsistence occupation into a profitable commercial venture capable of creating employment, raising household earnings and strengthening communities across the state.
He said the administration’s agricultural policy was in line with the broader objectives of the People First Agenda and the Green Economy Revolution, adding that improved access to finance, mechanisation and reliable markets would be critical to achieving the desired transformation.
“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 also revealed that the state government had introduced a Public Private Partnership investment programme estimated at ₦70 billion and US$1.075 billion. He noted that agriculture represents the largest component of the investment package, reflecting the priority the government attaches to the sector.
He said the administration envisages an agricultural economy that would not only improve the livelihoods of rural residents but also supply raw materials to industries, boost exports and stimulate growth in agro processing, transportation, logistics and marketing.
The Deputy Governor made the remarks in connection with this year’s Leboku theme, “Rooted in Culture, Growing in Prosperity,” which he said aptly reflected the administration’s ambition to connect cultural heritage with economic advancement.
He maintained that the benefits of agricultural and economic development could only be sustained where communities enjoy peace and stability. He therefore charged traditional rulers and community leaders in Yakurr to protect the customs of their people and work actively to prevent conflicts.
Odey warned that the government would take action against traditional institutions whose domains become overwhelmed by 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 pursue dialogue and reconciliation whenever disputes arise, stressing that peace would strengthen Yakurr’s prospects in agriculture, tourism, investment and the creative economy.
Odey said a stable and peaceful Yakurr would be better placed to attract investors, expand its agricultural base and harness the commercial opportunities embedded in its cultural heritage.
