As part of its Project Grow initiative, the Cross River State Government will offer ₦1 million loans to 200 farmers in Odukpani Local Government Area to boost the cultivation of a high-yield, disease-resistant maize variety.
The project aims to develop 2,000 hectares of maize across four communities in Odukpani.
Announcing this at a land preparation event in Odukpani on Thursday, Johnson Ebokpo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, highlighted the initiative’s potential to transform the state’s agricultural sector. Implemented in collaboration with Flour Mills Nigeria, development partners, and financial institutions, the project will provide ₦1 million loans to each profiled farmer. Flour Mills Nigeria will purchase the maize for feed production.
Ebokpo noted that while 220 hectares have been prepared, the rainy season has delayed progress. However, the project remains on course to achieve its 2,000-hectare target by year-end. “We have ample arable land, but cultivation costs are a challenge. We must also protect our forest ecology,” he added.
Dennis Ikpali, Director of Project Grow, stated that 120 bags of early-maturing, high-yield, drought- and fall armyworm-resistant maize have been supplied for the first phase. The test stage will cover 120 hectares in Odukpani, 105 in Obanliku, and 15 in Obubura, with plans to expand to 2,000 hectares in Odukpani next year.
Justin Asuquo, a representative of the Eki Ancestral Clan, expressed optimism, noting that the initiative could elevate farmers from subsistence to commercial agriculture and create wealth.
Additionally, Faith Omori, USAID Coordinator in Cross River, urged project managers to ensure women farmers are included to promote fairness and equity.
