By Owai Obo
The State Government in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria has provided two billion naira facility, inputs as well as land for farmers participating in the Federal Government, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme- ABP, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
The Governor, Senator Professor Ben Ayade represented by the Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, OFR, stated this at the flag-off of the 2020 National Cassava Growers Association/Central Bank of Nigeria Anchor Borrowers Programme and Five (5) Star Cassava Model held at the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources demonstration farm in Calabar.
Professor Esu maintained that the essence of the programme is to support farmers expand production capacity and enhance living standards while Government is committed to expand and sustain the lead in Cassava production.
He explained that it is expected that about one thousand Cassava farmers will cultivate five hectares each giving a total of five thousand hectares of Cassava production that will in turn promote activities of the entire value chain.
The Deputy Governor charged the Cassava farmers to be committed to the course to turn around the fortunes of their lives and the economic development of the state in a practical and sustainable manner.
The Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ntufam Okon Owuna asserted that Cross River State is the leading Cassava producing state in the country, this was made possible by the Ayade's Agricultural policy introduced in the state.
He thanked all Cassava farmers for their untiring efforts in the sustenance of the Cassava crop in line with the State Governor's directive that every Cross Riverian should own a farm.
The Chairman of the State branch of the Nigerian Cassava Growers Association(NCGA), Evangelist Augustine Oqua intimated that the NCGA/CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme is for small holders farmers who will farm one hectare each, and the CBN five star cassava project is for farmers who will cultivate five hectares of Cassava farm each.
Highpoint of the event was the flag-off and planting of Cassava stems by the Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu.
Deputy Governor's Press Unit
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