Gov. AYADE charges farmers as CBN flags off Anchor Borrowers - 5-Star Cassava Project in C'River

BY EKANEM, EKANEM-FAITH MOI OFFICER REPORTING FROM MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State has charged farmers in the state to avail themselves of the various agriculture development initiatives of government in order to ensure food security in the State and Country during the Covid-19 Pandemic period and beyond.

The Governor who restated his commitment to revolutionized agriculture in the state spoke at the Flag off of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme - "5-Star Cassava Project" in the State.

Ayade who was represented by his deputy, His Excellency Prof. Ivara Ejemot Esu at the event, said that the essence of the programme was to support farmers production capacity and enhance their standard of living.

He noted that Cassava Value Chain is a priority from production to the end Users.

He disclosed that the State  in partnership with the Central Bank of Nigeria has a Two Billion Naira facility, inputs as well as land for Famers, in which each farmer is expected to Cultivate 5 heacares of Cassava farm land and also promote activities of the  Value of Chain.
According to him, the efforts will lead to the sustainable economic development and enhance livelihood being targeted.


In his remarks at the occasion, the State  Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ntufam Okon Owuna noted that, Cassava is a staple crop that is important for food security and that, the State is prepared for the  Project.

Owuna maintained that, the programme is an exemplary one and it is anchored on a mechanical planting system.

 He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria for their role in reviving the agricultural industry in the country and also charged the participating farmers to take theprograme seriously so as to fully access the major benefits of the project.

 Earlier the Cross River State Chairman Cassava Growers Association,  Venerable Agustine Oqua mentioned that some imputs and tractors are already in the State for the immediate Commencement and execution for the programme.