In a bid to boost food security, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth across rural communities, Project Grow, Cross River State’s flagship agricultural project, has commenced early dry season farming with maize in Okpoma, Yala Local Government Area, and soybeans in Nkarasi, Ikom.

The director of the project, Denis Ikpali, who stated this in Calabar, Friday, said the initiative is a direct reflection of Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” mandate, designed to boost food security, create jobs, and drive sustainable economic growth across rural communities.

He said the dry season initiative means that farmers will no longer have to wait only for the rains to cultivate. With maize and soybeans being planted during this period, Cross River is expected to record more food harvests, stronger local economies, and new job opportunities for youths and women.

The project director said a key highlight of the project is that the maize and soybeans produced under Project Grow will be off-taken by Flour Mills of Nigeria, following an agreement signed earlier in the year. This removes the burden of market uncertainty for farmers, ensures fair prices, and strengthens the value chain from production to processing.

Ikpali explained that Project Grow, which also operates as a market systems approach, does not just stop at planting, but links farmers to inputs such as seeds and fertiliser, provides access to training and extension services, connects them with finance, and, most importantly, guarantees buyers for their produce.

“In simple terms, Project Grow builds a complete chain where everyone benefits. Farmers receive support, buyers secure supply, and communities gain jobs and food,” he said.

Ikpali said the project, which focuses on commercialising farming and creating market opportunities for farmers in value chains like maize, rice, and aquaculture, has been training farmers, improving livelihoods, and advancing agricultural growth in the state.

He reaffirmed that the project is not merely about farming but about transforming agriculture into a business, positioning Cross River as a leading centre for agribusiness in Nigeria.

By planting maize and soybeans in Okpoma and Nkarasi, Project Grow demonstrates that farming can be continuous, profitable, and sustainable throughout the year.

Ikpali stated that this latest progress under Project Grow further reinforces the consistent development already made and shows that, under Governor Otu’s leadership, Cross River State is on a definite course to secure food for its citizens, generate employment across communities, and transform agriculture into genuine prosperity for everyone.