By Kelvin Obambon
The Cross River State Government has officially flagged off the second phase of its agricultural transformation initiative with the distribution of 3,600 bags of improved cowpea and soybean seeds to farmers across the state. The programme is designed to strengthen food security, improve maternal and child nutrition, and transition smallholder farmers into commercial producers.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development headquarters in Calabar on Tuesday, the Commissioner, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, outlined the strategic allocation of the inputs and emphasized the dual approach of the initiative.
“Out of the 3,600 bags, 300 will go for breeding – which is the ability to plant seeds that will be used for replanting – while the rest will be given individually to farmers for planting,” Ebokpo stated. “This programme is two-pronged: you have the Ministry of Agriculture facilitating the entire exercise, and then you have the Cowpea Association implementing it alongside the Seed Council, which will license breeders across 15 breeding stations.”
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The Commissioner further disclosed that the state has established a guaranteed buy-back mechanism for cowpea to improve public health outcomes, specifically targeting maternal and child nutrition. He explained that for commercial soybean production, the state is linking local growers directly to major industrial off-takers through Project Grow.
Highlighting long-term infrastructure support, the Commissioner revealed that the Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu and the State Executive Council have approved the award of a contract for an outstation of the Institute of Agricultural Research in Bekwarra Local Government Area, to provide technical backing for local farmers.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Odey Ikongah, stressed the need for consistency and measurable yield performance following the success of the previous phase.
“Today we are combining two value chains – soybean and cowpea – featuring both certified seed and foundation seed to ensure stability across the value chain,” Ikongah noted. “We want to know the outcome of these products, their yield, and productivity, while ensuring that seed prices remain minimal and affordable to farmers.”
Reiterating the economic potential of the initiative, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prof. John Shiyam, noted that both crops thrive across all regions of the state, from Bakassi to Obanliku.
“Cowpea and soybean are crucial not only for human nutrition and animal protein but also to put money in your pocket,” Shiyam said. “Farmers have complained of poverty over the years, but the time has come where the Governor is promoting these value chains so that farmers in Cross River can achieve true economic empowerment.”
Providing details on market linkage and guaranteed off-take, the State Project Coordinator for Project Grow, Mr. Denis Ikpali, announced a major commercial partnership with Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC to supply high volumes of grain.
“Every bag of soybean you plant comes with significant value. Today, a ton of soybeans or 10 bags fetch N980,000,” Ikpali explained. “We have secured an off-take agreement with Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC for large-scale supply. Plant your soybean anywhere in this state, bring it to the nearest Project Grow center, and you will receive instant cash payment.”
Farmers were also urged to follow proper planting guidelines and safety precautions. The State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Rev. Nyiam Bisong, warned recipients against consuming the distributed seeds.
“These seeds take only 90 to 120 days to harvest. However, do not go and keep or eat them,” Bisong cautioned. “They have been treated with protective chemicals and are strictly for planting, not human consumption. Take them straight to the field.”
On his part, the Project Coordinator for Homestead Farming, Mr. Alban Wogu, commended the state government for elevating the status of local agriculture, urging farmers to maximize the opportunity to build sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Ms Ekaete Okon, thanked the government for always having the interest of farmers at heart.
With technical guidance from research institutions, certified seed supply from the Nigerian Agricultural Seed Council (NASC), and direct market access, Cross River State continues its drive toward a self-sustaining agri-economy.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of bags of cowpea seeds to beneficiaries by the wife of the governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, who was represented by Dr Inyang Asibong, Special Adviser, Office of the Wife of the Governor.
