Agriculture is a vital component of many countries’ economies, including Nigeria. Recently, the state government launched a credit scheme supported initiative with a monthly allocation of N150 million to bolster agricultural development in the country.
The initiative, spearheaded by Otu, aims to bring about a transformation in the agricultural sector by directly engaging with farmers. The focus is on cultivating short-term food crops such as rice and cassava, while also laying groundwork for palm oil and rubber plantations. To facilitate financial assistance to committed farmers, critical resources like credit guarantee schemes have been made available.
The governor is urging individuals to take advantage of this opportunity to partake in agriculture. A significant stride has been made with the provision of new tractors that will be distributed to local communities to enhance agricultural mechanization. These tractors will be managed by farmer cooperatives, reinforcing youth empowerment and enhancing the operations of smallholder farmers.
According to Emmanuel Anoh, president of the Cross River Rice Producers Association, a minimum yield of six tonnes of rice per hectare is achievable. This would equate to 140 50kg bags of rice per hectare, playing a substantial role in enhancing food availability in Nigeria.
This initiative signifies a major advancement for the agricultural sector, with the potential to have positive national impacts on food security and empowering farmers. The government’s dedication to agricultural development bodes well for the future and could serve as a blueprint for other regions aiming to stimulate their agricultural sectors.
For further information, you can refer to the following relevant articles:
– Reducing the political lifestyle in the DRC: The challenges of the government – Judith Suminwa Tuluka
– Evolution of food prices in the markets of Yola, Maiduguri, and Damaturu: A relief for consumers
– Gov Otu inaugurates 50,000-hectare rice farm in Cross River