The government of Cross River State in southern Nigeria has distributed high-yield cowpea and soyabean seeds to farmers as part of its agricultural transformation initiative.
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, and the wife of the governor, Bishop Eyoanwan Otu, represented by her Special Adviser, Dr Inyang Asibong, distribute 3,600 bags of the improved cowpea and soybean seeds to farmers from across the state.
According to Ebokpo, who performed the exercise at the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development premises, the programme was designed to “strengthen food security, improve maternal and child nutrition as well as transition smallholder farmers into commercial producers.”
Ebokpo gave a detailed explanation to the farmers, most of whom are women and youths, on the allocation strategy and approach of the initiative.
He said, “Out of the 3,600 bags, 300 will go for breeding – which is the ability to plant seeds that will be used for replanting. The rest will be given to individual farmers for planting.
“This programme is two-pronged: you have the Ministry of Agriculture facilitating the entire exercise, and then you have the Cowpea Association implementing the initiative alongside the Seed Council, which will license breeders across 15 breeding stations,” he explained.
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The commissioner disclosed that Cross River State has already established a guaranteed buy-back mechanism for cowpea to improve public health outcomes, specifically targeting maternal and child nutrition.
He explained that for commercial soybean production, the state is linking local growers directly to major industrial off-takers through the “Project Grow” initiative.
Ebokpo further explained that the Cross River State government led by Governor Bassey Otu approved a contract for the establishment of an outstation under the Institute of Agricultural Research in the Bekwarra Local Government Area to provide the farmers with technical support.
Also speaking at the seed distribution ceremony, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Odey Ikongah, said, “We are combining two value chains – soybean and cowpea – featuring both certified seed and foundation seed to ensure stability across the value chain.”
Similarly, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Professor John Shiyam, noted that the two crops can be planted “across all regions of the state, from Bakassi to Obanliku.”
“Cowpea and soybean are crucial not only for human nutrition and animal protein but also to put money in your pocket. Farmers have complained of poverty over the years, but the time has come for farmers in Cross River to achieve true economic empowerment,” he said.
In his remarks, the State Project Coordinator of Project Grow, Dennis Ikpali, told the farmers that there was an existing partnership for off-take.
“We have secured an off-take agreement with Flour Mills of Nigeria PLC for large-scale supply. Plant your soybean anywhere in this state, bring it to the nearest Project Grow center and you will receive instant cash payment,” he assured.
Also, the State Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Nyiam Bisong, said, “These seeds take only 90 to 120 days to harvest. However, do not go and keep or eat them. The seeds have been treated with protective chemicals and are strictly for planting, not human consumption. Take them straight to the field.”
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Ekaete Okon thanked Governor Otu and his wife, Bishop Eyoanwan, for empowering women farmers with free seedlings, pledging to synergise with the Ministry of Agriculture as they migrate to commercial farming.
