Gov Otu vows to keep Cross River at the top of cassava production in Nigeria

Cross River State Governor Bassey Otu has announced that his administration will maintain the state’s position as the leading cassava producer in Nigeria.

He has ordered that an extra 100,000 hectares of land be allocated for cassava farming in all 18 local government areas of the state.

He stressed the importance of implementing holistic and strategic policies that would optimise the potential of the cassava value chain.

Otu revealed that cassava cultivation and processing engage 90 percent of the state’s population.

He spoke through the Secretary to State Government SSG, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, at the launch of the cassava value chain draft implementation programme held at the Transcorp Hotel Càlabar.

Otu said cassava and its derivatives, such as garri and fufu, are the most consumed staple foods in the state.

“Cross River is unrivalled in cassava production in Nigeria, and our economy depends on cassava because it is the highest agricultural income source for our people.”

The state government stated that by increasing cassava production, the state can reclaim its pride of place in food production, making the state the top cassava producer in the country.

The Agriculture and Irrigation Commissioner, Dr. Johnson Ebokpo, stated that almost every household in the state eats one form of cassava dish a day.

Ebokpo stated that the cassava draft policy is a crucial tool that would receive the support of the Cross River State House of Assembly to ensure that investors and partners benefit maximally from investments in the cassava value chain.

“This comprehensive draft policy will provide a road map for the development of our agricultural value chain.