C/River To Develop 7-Year Plan To Boost Oil Palm, Cocoa, Coffee
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has tasked a newly inaugurated committee with creating a 7-year strategic plan to enhance the production and value of cocoa, coffee, and oil palm fruits. During the committee’s inauguration in his office on Wednesday, the governor emphasized the need for a development framework to optimize these crops and their value chains within the state. This strategy will cover cultivation, productivity, and value chain policies for cocoa and oil palm, aiming to attract direct investment, support farmers, and address market dynamics. The governor also stressed the importance of aligning the new cocoa estates with climate and biodiversity considerations.
Governor Otu highlighted Cross River State’s strong competitive advantage in cocoa, coffee, and oil palm, stating his administration’s commitment to maximizing returns from these crops. He noted that agriculture is pivotal for the state’s future, revealing plans to plant 3.5 million oil palms this fiscal year. Additionally, the state has launched a N30 billion commercial agriculture development fund, Project Grow, which is digitally managed. The governor also mentioned the expansion of the Smallholder Cocoa Development Scheme to develop new estates and rejuvenate existing ones, expressing confidence that the committee’s work will broaden the state’s agricultural vision.
Committee Chair Prof. Susan Ohen pledged that her team would diligently develop a strategic plan and policy framework to optimize the value chains of oil palm, cocoa, and coffee in the state. Source: Daily Trust
OUR REVIEW
Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State’s initiative to develop a 7-year strategic plan for cocoa, coffee, and oil palm production is poised to significantly enhance the agri-food value chain. By creating a comprehensive development framework, the state aims to optimize these crops through improved cultivation techniques, productivity boosts, and value chain policies. This approach is designed to attract direct investment, support farmers, and address market dynamics, ensuring long-term sustainability and profitability.
The governor’s commitment to planting 3.5 million oil palms this fiscal year and the launch of the N30 billion Project Grow fund highlight the strategic emphasis on agriculture as a cornerstone of the state’s economic future. The alignment of new cocoa estates with climate and biodiversity considerations also underscores a sustainable approach to agricultural development.
For stakeholders, this strategic plan provides a roadmap for informed decision-making and targeted investments, fostering growth and resilience in the agricultural sector. By expanding the Smallholder Cocoa Development Scheme and regenerating existing estates, Cross River State is set to enhance its competitive advantage, ensuring robust agricultural output and economic stability.
