C'River State Govt Flags Off Cassava Value Chain Policy, Encourages Food Sufficiency

C'River State Govt Flags Off Cassava Value Chain Policy, Encourages Food Sufficiency

By JAE MEDIA

The prospect of a prosperous future for the residents of Cross River State has been significantly enhanced through the strategic initiatives undertaken by His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu's government. This administration has embarked on a meticulously planned exploration of the extensive potential inherent within the Cassava value chain, intending to revitalize the state's economy.

In alignment with his enduring vision encapsulated in the 'People's First Agenda for the Agricultural Sector,' His Excellency, Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has initiated a journey aimed at establishing a thriving Cassava industry that will redound to the benefit of all Cross Riverians and further position the State as a preeminent Agribusiness model for the nation.

To realize this vision, His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu has convened a Policy Drafting Team and Stakeholders Consultative Forum dedicated to developing a comprehensive Cassava Value Chain Policy for Cross River State.

During his address at the Stakeholders Consultative Forum, held at the esteemed Transcorp Hotels Calabar, the State Governor reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to the agricultural sector and the economic well-being of Cross River State, underscoring the pivotal role of Cassava as a critical agricultural commodity and a cornerstone of the state's agrarian heritage.

The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, disclosed the allocation of one hundred thousand hectares of land for cassava development across all 18 Local Government Areas. He emphasized the necessity for implementing comprehensive and strategic policies designed to maximize the potential of the Cassava Value Chain

He also stated that the policy will provide the institutional framework for Public Private partnerships for the sake of clarity for prospective investors and other players within the cassava value chain .

Furthermore, the State Governor emphasized that once the policy is drafted, it will undergo legislative processes within the State House of Assembly, providing the necessary legal foundation for its implementation.

His Excellency articulated, "The framework will serve as a roadmap for our endeavors to harness the full potential of cassava and address the challenges that have impeded its growth."

Expanding on his remarks,  Governor Bassey Otu maintained that these measures aim to create a policy framework that aligns with his ambitious aspirations, adheres to international best practices, encourages innovation, and ensures the sustainability of the Cassava value chain.

The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, reiterated the Governor's vision for a flourishing cassava industry, emphasizing its potential to sustain communities, provide livelihoods to farmers, and offer various industrial applications.

He stressed that, with the right policies and collective efforts, cassava could transform Cross River State into an agricultural powerhouse, generating employment, enhancing food security, and bolstering the economy.

Commissioner Ebokpo further affirmed that the policy would serve as a blueprint guiding the State toward a brighter and more prosperous future.

He maintained that the Stakeholders Consultative Forum underscores Governor Bassey Edet Otu's "people-first" mantra and serves as a platform for open dialogues with farmers, processors, researchers, and industry stakeholders. He added that their invaluable input will shape the policy, and the collaboration will yield a Cassava Value Chain Policy that can serve as a national model.

The Commissioner for Agriculture concluded that institutionalizing a framework for Public Private Partnership will lead to a thriving economy for the Cassava sub-sector, greatly benefiting the people of Cross River State.

The event also featured goodwill messages from Her Excellency, the Wife of the State Governor, represented by the Special Adviser on Events, Dr. Mrs. Inyang Asibong; the Executive Director of the National Root Crops Research, represented by the Director of Research Support Services, Dr. M.C. Okuse; and the State Chairman of the Cassava Growers Association of Nigeria, Venerable Augustine Oqua.

The draft policy document was presented by Policy Consultants, including Prof. Susan Ohen, Prof. Damian Agom, and Mr. Denis Ikpali.

Statewide consultations and validation activities will continue for the next six weeks before a final document is delivered for the State Executive Council approval.

The gathering culminated with a breakout session, during which stakeholders energetically brainstormed and provided invaluable input to the draft policy document.