Gov Otu declares commitment to uphold Cross River as cassava-leading producer

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has declared his commitment to upholding the state’s prominent position as Nigeria’s leading cassava producer.

In a significant move, he has directed the allocation of an additional 100,000 hectares of land for cassava cultivation across all 18 local government areas within the state.

Emphasizing the need for comprehensive and strategic policies to harness the full potential of the cassava value chain, Otu revealed that 90 percent of the state’s population is involved in cassava farming and processing.

During the launch of the cassava value chain draft implementation program at the Transcorp Hotel Calabar, Otu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, highlighted the significance of cassava and its derivatives, such as garri and fufu, as the primary staple foods in the state.

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He stressed that Cross River’s economy heavily relies on cassava, being the most substantial source of agricultural income for its residents.

The state government is resolute in its pursuit of increased cassava production, aiming to regain its position as the foremost cassava producer in the country. Dr. Johnson Ebokpo, the Agriculture and Irrigation Commissioner, noted that virtually every household in the state consumes cassava daily.

He also underlined the importance of the cassava draft policy as a pivotal instrument that will receive full support from the Cross River State House of Assembly, ensuring that investors and partners can derive maximum benefits from investments in the cassava value chain.

This comprehensive draft policy is poised to serve as a guiding framework for the development of the state’s agricultural value chain.