Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has unveiled plans to enhance farmers’ earnings by eliminating middlemen who profit from buying and reselling their produce. During the launch of the state’s “Project Grow” initiative on Wednesday in Odukpani Local Government Area, Otu, represented by Accountant General Mrs. Glory Effiong, announced the cultivation of 2,000 hectares of commercial maize aimed at empowering farmers.
The Project Grow initiative, designed to combat food insecurity and drive a sustainable economy, seeks to foster partnerships with companies such as Flour Mills to purchase directly from farmers. Effiong described the project as a market-driven strategy focused on key agricultural sectors, including maize, rice, cassava, aquaculture, and animal fodder.
The initiative’s goal is to bridge the economic gap and help Cross River residents rise above poverty, aligning with the state’s long-term vision of reducing multidimensional poverty. Project Grow will also enable market players to independently engage after six years.
Dennis Ikpali, Director of Project Grow, highlighted that the maize cultivated under this program is early-maturing, disease-resistant, and capable of yielding four tons per hectare, potentially generating 8,000 tons of maize within four months. This could translate into a projected revenue of 10 to 12 billion naira.
Farmers participating in the project, like Mary Ayi and Nsa Okon, have expressed optimism, with Ayi shifting from cassava farming to maize due to its shorter cultivation time. To support farmers, they are provided one million naira loans from partner banks, and Flour Mills Nigeria is set to purchase their harvest.
This initiative is seen as a significant step toward commercializing agriculture in the state and increasing farmers’ financial stability.