The Cross River State Government has flagged off the South-South Zonal Renewed Hope Farm Input Support Programme with the distribution of 80,640 bags of NPK fertiliser to 20,160 registered smallholder farmers across the region.
The initiative, aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and strengthening food security, forms part of the Federal Government’s broader intervention to support farmers with critical farm inputs, reduce production costs and increase food output across the country.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony held yesterday at the Cross River Agricultural Development Programme premises in Calabar, Governor Bassey Otu said the programme underscores the commitment of both the Federal Government and the state government to increasing agricultural productivity and improving the livelihoods of farmers.
The governor, who was represented by the Speaker of the Cross River State House of Assembly, Elvert Ayambem, said the intervention aligns with his administration’s People First Agenda, which places agriculture at the centre of economic transformation and rural development.
He commended President Bola Tinubu and the National Agricultural Development Fund for the intervention, describing it as a practical demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to agricultural renewal, inclusive growth and national food security.
According to Otu, smallholder farmers remain the backbone of Nigeria’s agricultural economy, stressing that investments targeted at farmers would translate into improved food production and stronger rural economies.
“Our farmers are central to our vision because when agriculture thrives, families earn more, communities prosper, young people find opportunities and our economy grows stronger,” he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to the National Agricultural Development Fund for selecting Cross River as the host of the South-South zonal flag-off, noting that the decision reflects growing confidence in the state’s agricultural development efforts.
He assured the Federal Government and development partners that the programme would be implemented transparently through the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development to ensure that the fertilisers reach genuine beneficiaries.
Otu warned against the diversion of farm inputs, insisting that every bag of fertiliser must get to the intended farmers to achieve the programme’s objectives of increasing food production, stabilising food prices and stimulating rural economic growth.
He disclosed that the state government was expanding opportunities in key agricultural value chains, including maize, rice and sorghum production, while also promoting mechanised farming through the procurement of additional mini tractors for farmers’ cooperatives.
The governor added that his administration would continue to improve farmers’ access to quality inputs, extension services and private sector investment to enhance agricultural productivity.
He urged beneficiaries to utilise the fertilisers effectively, noting that the success of the intervention would be measured by improved harvests, increased incomes and enhanced food security across the region.