Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has announced that the state is transitioning from subsistence to mechanized agricultural practices.
He stated that the government has procured light and heavy-duty machinery to enable smallholder farmers and agricultural entrepreneurs to embark on large-scale production of rice, cassava, oil palm, cocoa, and yams to ensure food security in the state.
Otu spoke through his deputy, Peter Odey, during the celebration of this year’s Leboku International New Yam Festival in Ugep, Yakurr LGA.
Otu acknowledged the deliberate initiatives of successive administrations in the state to use the event to encourage food production and showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Yakurr people.
“My administration is poised to sustain the momentum of the event and even surpass its achievements,” he said.
He called for concerted efforts to achieve food security in the state.
The Paramount Ruler, the Obol Lopon of Ugep, HRM Ofem Ubana Eteng, expressed his appreciation on behalf of the Yakurr nation to the governor, members of the Cross River State House of Assembly, members of the State Executive Council, and other political officeholders for gracing the occasion and for their sustained support of the New Yam Festival celebration.
Cross River transiting from subsistence to mechanized agric practice – Gov Otu