The Cross River State Commissioner for Crop and Irrigation, Johnson Ebokpo, says the state government through the ministry is ready to send a policy to the State House of Assembly for approval, which would provide a legal foundation for the state cassava aspirations.
Speaking in Calabar during the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on Cassava Value Chain Development Policy, the State Commissioner for Crop and Irrigation noted that the policy will be a blueprint for success, which will guide the state towards a better and prosperous future.
Johnson who further pledged the ministry’s commitment to make available 100,000 hectares of land across the state for the development of cassava, added that with the proper policies and collective efforts, cassava can transform the state into an agricultural powerhouse, thereby creating jobs, enhancing food security and boosting the state’s economy.
Also speaking during the Cassava Stakeholders’ Forum, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Anthony Owan-Enoh, expressed the state government’s determination to build a strong and viable economy through cassava production.
While also speaking on the proposed policy that would be sent to the House of Assembly for approval, Chairman of the Cross River State Cassava Growers Association, Augustine Okwa, described the idea as a welcome development.
Our correspondent reports that the Cross River State Ministry of Crop and Irrigation is also willing to enable a Public Private Partnership, PPP, with local and international investors, commodity associations, processors and exporters, in order to unlock the potential of the state cassava industry.
(Editor: Ena Agbanoma)
