By Ofem John Obongha, JKNewsMedia Intern
TOWARDS BOOSTING Cross River’s agricultural sector, the state government announced it has launched an ambitious oil palm revitalization effort, starting with the distribution of 3.5 million Malaysian Super-G sprouted oil palm nuts to farmers.
The government said the programme is designed to replace old and low-yielding oil palm varieties across 93,000 hectares currently under cultivation, with 24,000 hectares designated for young palms aged zero to five years and an additional 23,000 hectares covered by wild palms.
Also, the Agriculture Ministry, under Commissioner Bar. Johnson Ebokpo, said it has completed a comprehensive profiling of farmers before the distribution, ensuring fair allocation.
He said the state also plans to rejuvenate land where palm production has stagnated, aiming to leverage palm oil’s high market value to enhance both state revenue and farmer income, Ebokpo revealed.
He adds that the government’s commitment to supporting this programme includes the provision of 77 motorcycles for local government agricultural extension officers.
These resources, he adds, will aid officers in assisting farmers with nursery management and ensure efficient program implementation across rural areas.
Similarly, local officials, including Commissioners from the ministries of Livestock, Aquaculture, Fisheries Development, and Sports, lauded Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu’s proactive agricultural strategies.
They noted that the subsidized distribution of these nuts could yield increased revenue within four years, benefiting farmers statewide.
Development partners, represented by Mr. Cletus Ogbedi, Project Manager of FAO’s Gem 7, highlighted the additional benefit of free agroforest seedlings like avocado, ogbono, and Ikom pear.
These fruit trees will provide farmers with a supplementary income stream during oil palm’s off-season.
Meanwhile, the initiative has garnered enthusiastic support from local leaders and beneficiaries alike.
Hon. Effiong Bassey, Chairman of Akpabuyo LGA, committed on behalf of council members to promote the programme, ensuring that “the sweetness of our Sweet Prince reaches rural areas.”
Moreover, Chief Owali Ilem, a farmer spokesperson, expressed gratitude, noting this government’s exceptional support for agricultural productivity.
The government notes that the second phase of distribution is scheduled for December, followed promptly by a third phase, as Cross River aims to establish itself as a leader in oil palm production and economic sustainability in Nigeria.
