The governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu has indicated the government’s decision to invest in bio-fuel production as an alternative energy source for sustainable economic development.
According to Britannica, biofuel, can be referred to as “any fuel that is derived from biomass—that is, plant or algae material or animal waste, which can be readily replenished. Biofuel is considered to be a source of ‘renewable energy’, unlike fossil fuels such as petroleum, coal, and natural gas. Biofuel is commonly advocated as a cost-effective and environmentally benign alternative to petroleum and other fossil fuels, particularly within the context of rising petroleum prices and increased concern over the contributions made by fossil fuels to global warming,” Britannica indicated.
During a presentation of his scorecard on One hundred days in office, Governor Otu said that the state government was determined to build a factory for the production of biofuel from cassava to boost Internally Generated Revenue, IGR and provide Nigerians an alternative source of energy in view of the rising cost of petroleum products.
Otu said, “the State Government has sponsored some of our citizens to participate in a cassava value chain conference in Asaba, the capital of Delta State, southern Nigeria for subsequent establishment of cassava biofuel factory here in Cross River State.
“To hasten the process, we have also earmarked 100 Hectares for the cultivation of cassava. Renewable energy is the way to go and we are determined to take advantage of the window to invest in that area. We are committed to make life easy for citizens, protect the environment as well as enhance our internal revenue,” he said.
Oil palm economy
He also hinted that the state government was giving priority attention to the oil palm economy since “agriculture is the area Cross River State has comparative advantage over many states. As such, the present administration has attracted a $15 million (Fifteen Million US Dollar) private sector investment into the Ayip Eku Oil Palm Estate. This will create employment and grow the state’s GDP (Gross Domestic Product).
“Also, in partnership with the Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (ORGAN), the state government has commenced the planting of 3.5 million hybrid oil palm seedlings in 13 identified locations across the State. These seedlings will be distributed to farmers as part of efforts to enhance expansion of existing plantations in order for them to benefit from developments in the sector,” the governor said.
The governor further disclosed that his administration within the first hundred days developed a 6-year ₦30bn agricultural credit guarantee fund for rice, maize, fisheries and livestock farmers; while noting that “to ascertain with precision, the soil texture for specific crops in the different zones of the state, the government had commenced a Digital Soil Fertility Mapping for greater yields.”
He added that in the meantime, 50 starter rice growers were given free rice seedlings, fertilizer and pesticides, while 30 starter livestock farmers have been assisted with day old chicks, feeds and other equipment in line with his People First agenda.
