The Cross River Government has procured N50million worth of inputs for distribution to cocoa farmers to boost production in the state.
The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Okon Nyong-Owuna, disclosed this on Friday during an inspection of the cocoa processing factory in Ikom local government area.
The commissioner had led the leadership of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Cross River Chapter to the site.
Nyong-Owuna said that the procurement would boast cocoa production and improve yields in line with Gov. Ben Ayade’s agricultural policy in the state.
According to him, the state government has placed priority on agricultural investment, promotion and production tagged “Green Money”.
He assured farmers that the state government would establish more cocoa estates as well as get farmers productively engaged to meet the demands of the cocoa factory.
“Gov. Ayade is passionate about getting cocoa farmers productively engaged and making them green millionaires.
“The governor has promised to establish more cocoa estates in the state in line with his agenda to boost cocoa production,’’ he said.
Chairman, Cocoa Farmers Association of the state, Mr Ayuk Abang, lauded Ayade’s agro-industrial revolution in the state and the building of the cocoa factory in Ikom.
Abang said that the inputs would go a long way in helping them improve their yields and boost the capacity of their production.
He commended the Commissioner for being the first to interface directly with rural cocoa farmers of the state.
The Chairman, however, complained that the chemicals they buy from the market are usually adulterated and not good enough for production.
He added that with this gesture from the state government, they are sure of reliable and high-quality inputs for their production.