C’River gov unveils 2026 wet season farming

The Cross River State Government has officially flagged off its 2026 Wet Season Farming Programme with the distribution of improved seed yam inputs to farmers across the state, in a bid to strengthen food security and boost agricultural productivity.

In a statement made available to PUNCH Online, the Governor Bassey Otu launched the programme on Wednesday in Calabar, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to rural development, sustainable agriculture, and economic growth.

The event featured the distribution of improved seed yams and other agricultural inputs to farmers drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state, including cooperatives, women groups, youths, and extension workers.

Representing the governor, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Johnson Ebokpo Jr., said the early rollout of the programme was intentional to ensure farmers receive inputs ahead of the planting season.

“We are not just talking about food security; we are taking deliberate and practical steps to make it a reality. This distribution exercise is part of our broader vision to transform Cross River into the food basket of the South-South and Nigeria at large.” he said.

He explained that agriculture remains central to the state’s economic development agenda.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and the primary source of livelihood for thousands of households across the state. That is why this administration continues to invest in programmes that directly support farmers and strengthen rural communities,” he added.

Otu, in remarks delivered through the commissioner, described the initiative as part of his administration’s broader agricultural transformation agenda.

“We already know that agriculture remains the backbone of our economy and the primary source of livelihood for thousands of households across the state.

This why we continue to invest deliberately in programmes that directly support farmers and strengthen rural communities, “ he said.

He also highlighted the importance of improved seed yam technology in boosting production.

“Seed yam remains the most expensive input in yam production, accounting for between 25 and 60 percent of total production costs. “Our goal is to position Cross River as a major player in yam production, processing, and seed yam commercialization in Nigeria,” the governor noted.

Otu added that the minisett technology introduced in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) would help improve yields and farmer income.

“This strategic capacity-building initiative was designed to equip our farmers and extension agents with practical knowledge on rapid seed yam production, improved agronomic practices, and disease management techniques,” he said.

The National Coordinator of the IFAD-assisted LIFE-ND Programme, Engr. Sam Abiodun, commended the state government’s efforts in supporting agriculture and rural development.

“We are committed to partnering with the Cross River State Government to provide the necessary incentives and support that will drive rural development and boost agricultural productivity,” he said.

Farmers who benefited from the programme expressed appreciation for the intervention.

Mrs. Grace Ene of Bekwarra Local Government Area said: “This support has given us hope again. Many farmers could not afford quality seed yams this season, but the government has stepped in to help us produce more food.”

A youth farmer, Mr. Emmanuel Bassey from Yakurr, described the initiative as timely. “With these improved seed yams and the training we have received, we are confident of better harvests this year,” he said.

Mrs. Florence Odama from Obubra also praised the programme. “We are grateful because this support will help us expand our farms and feed our families,” she said.

With the 2026 wet season farming now underway, the state government says it is targeting increased food production and stronger rural livelihoods across the state.