Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has flagged off the 2026 Wet Season Farming Programme with the distribution of improved seed yam inputs to farmers across the state as part of efforts to strengthen food security, increase rural incomes, and support sustainable agricultural development.
The flag-off ceremony, held in Calabar, featured the distribution of improved seed yams and other agricultural inputs to beneficiaries from the 18 local government areas of the state, including farmers’ cooperatives, women groups, youths, and agricultural extension workers.
Representing the governor at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo Jr., said the early commencement of the farming programme was a deliberate strategy to ensure farmers receive inputs on time for the planting season.
According to him, agriculture remains central to Cross River’s economy and a major pillar of the administration’s “People First” agenda.
“We are not just talking about food security; we are taking deliberate and practical steps to make it a reality. This distribution exercise is part of our broader vision to transform Cross River into the food basket of the South-South and Nigeria at large,” he stated.
Governor Otu described the programme as another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation, household food production, and economic growth.
“We already know that agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and the primary source of livelihood for thousands of households across the state. This is why our administration continues to invest deliberately in programmes that directly support farmers and strengthen rural communities,” the Governor said.
He explained that the distribution followed a one-week train-the-trainer workshop conducted in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), where more than 400 yam farmers and agricultural extension officers were trained on yam seed multiplication and modern yam minisett technology.
“This strategic capacity-building initiative was designed to equip our farmers and extension agents with practical knowledge on rapid seed yam production, improved agronomic practices and disease management techniques. The state government subsequently took delivery of eight metric tonnes of improved seed yam varieties to support the programme,” he added.
The governor noted that the minisett technology would support rapid seed yam multiplication, improve planting materials, raise productivity, and increase farmers’ incomes.
“Seed yam remains the most expensive input in yam production, accounting for between 25 and 60 per cent of total production costs. Studies have shown that the use of certified seed yams alone can boost farmers’ income by up to 40 per cent. Our goal is to position Cross River as a major player in yam production, processing and seed yam commercialisation in Nigeria,” he emphasised.
The National Coordinator of the IFAD-assisted LIFE-ND Programme, Engr. Sam Abiodun commended the state government for prioritising agriculture and rural development.
“We are committed to partnering with the Cross River State Government to provide the necessary incentives and support that will drive rural development and boost agricultural productivity. With the collective efforts of farmers, youths and women participating in this programme, we are confident that success will be achieved,” he said.
The Commissioner for Agriculture disclosed that the distributed inputs were selected based on ecological suitability and crop preferences across the state, covering rice, cassava, maize, yams, and vegetables.
He added that agricultural extension officers had already been deployed to communities across the state to train farmers on modern farming techniques, climate-smart agriculture, and improved agronomic practices aimed at increasing yields and reducing post-harvest losses.
Some beneficiaries described the intervention as timely support for farmers facing economic and climate-related challenges.
Mrs Grace Ene from Bekwarra Local Government Area said, “This support has given us hope again. Many farmers could not afford quality seed yams this season, but the government has stepped in to help us produce more food.”
A youth farmer from Yakurr, Mr Emmanuel Bassey, said the programme would encourage more young people to embrace agriculture.
“With these improved seed yams and the training we have received, we are confident of better harvests this year. The government has shown genuine concern for farmers,” he stated.
Mrs Florence Odama from Obubra also welcomed the initiative, saying it would reduce production costs and improve household income.
“We are grateful because this support will help us expand our farms and feed our families. This is the kind of assistance farmers truly need,” she added.
Stakeholders in the agriculture sector said the programme reflects the state government’s target of increasing food production and strengthening Cross River’s position in Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
