Otu flags off 50,000-hectare rice farming initiative

As part of efforts at revolutionising agriculture to ensure food security,

Cross River State

Governor, Bassey Otu, at the weekend, in Ogoja, flagged off a 50,000-hectare rice cultivation project.

Flagging off the scheme at Ndok Community in Ogoja Local Council, Otu said that the initiative will be supported by a credit scheme that will allow the state to allocate N150 million, monthly, to agriculture.

Otu hinted that there will be direct collaboration with rice farmers to cultivate the extensive 50,000 hectares.

The governor, who underscored his commitment to partnering rice farmers, said: “We are engaging with groups of farmers, as part of our agricultural revolution, focusing initially on short-term cash crops like rice, cocoa and cassava.

“We are also progressing towards the development of oil palm and rubber plantations.”

Acknowledging the importance of food and energy security, Otu assured farmers of the state government’s full support, noting: “We are committed to working with every farmer, and ensuring the provision of essential resources.

Otu disclosed that a credit-guaranteed scheme has been established to facilitate financial assistance for dedicated farmers, just as he highlighted the scheme’s independence from the government.

He urged individuals to take action rather than waiting on the sidelines. He noted that there were abundant resources bestowed upon the state by divine providence.