The Cross River Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) has predicted a bountiful harvest for farmers in Cross River State this season.
The Cross River North Coordinator of the programme, Mr. Mark Ewa, stated this on Sunday in Ogoja. According to him, the anticipated success is attributed to substantial support from both the Federal and State Governments, particularly the provision of essential farming inputs and tools.
He stated that unlike previous years, where farmers had to depend largely on their own resources, this season has seen a marked improvement due to government intervention.
“It has been quite an experience for farmers this season in terms of farm inputs. We are particularly appreciative that the Federal Government has supported us by providing fertilisers to farmers.
“In Cross River North, I was responsible for the distribution and ensured the equitable allocation of the six trucks of NPK fertiliser to the five council areas.”
The coordinator expressed gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu for his additional support, noting that with favourable weather conditions and the anticipated arrival of urea fertiliser, crops such as rice, soya beans, cowpea, cassava, and yam are expected to thrive this season.
Ewa, however, called on the state government to extend assistance in critical areas like land preparation, extension services, and irrigation farming. He pointed out the importance of irrigation, especially in Cross River North, where the weather patterns demand it for adequate irrigation.
He further emphasized that the scarcity of extension agents has severely limited farmers’ access to vital knowledge and techniques. He explained that the number of extension agents in Cross River North has dwindled to less than 10, mainly because of retirements without replacements.
“This situation has resulted in a ratio of one extension agent for every 5,000 farmers, instead of the ideal ratio of one agent for every 80 farmers.
“This inadequacy has prevented farmers from receiving the necessary training for a profitable harvest,” he lamented.