Cross River State Government and the French Consortium have signed an agreement to invest in the cultivation of bamboo as an alternative to forest wood which can be used for the production of furniture for schools, hospitals, house tiles,ceiling boards, floor tiles, among others.
Speaking shortly after signing the agreement at the Government House Càlabar, Governor Ben Ayade said the project which will start with five hectares of land in Obanliku Local Government Area of the state as a pilot scheme will spread to all the fertile soil in Cross River.
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Ayade expressed the readiness of the Government to provide more lands to cultivate bamboo, stressing that good water-retention soil, modest rainfall and sufficient sunlight are critical factors for its survival which Cross River State has in abundance.
The French investor, Yann Fortunato,said the
cultivation of Bamboo nursery and field transplanting will commence by April, 2022 with multiplier effect to generate employment.
The bamboo project will address the challenges of forest conservation as a source of Climate Change mitigation, while creating employment opportunities for the youths and improve their livelihoods.
Editor: Omor Bazuaye
