Cross River Flags Off 2026 Wet Season Farming With Seed Yam Distribution

News in brief:

—Cross River distributed improved seed yams and farm inputs to farmers across 18 LGAs to boost food production.

—The state aims to strengthen food security through modern yam farming technology, extension support and climate-smart agriculture.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Edet Otu, has flagged off the 2026 Wet Season Farming Programme by distributing improved seed yams and other agricultural support materials to farmers across the state.

The flag-off ceremony, held in Calabar, brought together beneficiaries from the 18 local government areas of the state, including farmers’ cooperatives, women groups, youths and agricultural extension workers.

Government Targets Food Security, Rural Prosperity

Representing the governor at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation, Johnson Ebokpo, said the early commencement of the farming programme would ensure farmers receive critical inputs in time to maximise the planting season.

According to him, agriculture remains central to the state’s economy and a major pillar of the administration’s “People First” agenda.

“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.

Governor Otu, in a message delivered by the commissioner, said the programme demonstrates the administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation, rural development and economic growth.

State Partners IITA on Yam Production Technology

The governor disclosed that the distribution followed a one-week train-the-trainer workshop conducted in partnership with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), where over 400 yam farmers and agricultural extension officers received training on yam seed multiplication and modern yam minisett technology.

According to him, the state government also procured eight metric tonnes of improved seed yam varieties to support the initiative.

“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,” the governor stated.

Improved Seed to Reduce Production Costs

Otu explained that the minisett technology would enable rapid multiplication of healthier planting materials, improve productivity and increase farmers’ incomes.

He noted that seed yams remain one of the most expensive inputs in yam production, accounting for between 25 and 60 per cent of total production costs.

“Studies have shown that the use of certified seed yams alone can boost farmers’ income by up to 40 per cent. Our goal is to position Cross River as a major player in yam production, processing and seed yam commercialisation in Nigeria,” he added.

IFAD-Backed Programme Supports Rural Development

Also speaking is the National Coordinator of the IFAD-assisted LIFE-ND Programme, Engr. Sam Abiodun commended the state government for prioritising agriculture and rural development.

He reaffirmed the programme’s commitment to supporting rural farmers, women and youths through incentives and agricultural interventions designed to improve productivity and livelihoods.

The Commissioner for Agriculture disclosed that the distributed farm inputs were selected based on ecological suitability and crop preferences across the state, covering rice, cassava, maize, yams, and vegetables.

He further revealed that agricultural extension officers had already been deployed to communities to train farmers on climate-smart agriculture, modern farming techniques and improved agronomic practices aimed at boosting yields and reducing post-harvest losses.

Farmers Welcome Intervention

Beneficiaries described the intervention as timely, particularly amid prevailing economic and climate-related challenges affecting agricultural production.

Grace Ene from Bekwarra Local Government Area (LGA) said the programme had restored hope to many farmers struggling to access quality yams this season.

Similarly, a youth farmer from Yakurr, Emmanuel Bassey, said the training and improved seed varieties would help farmers achieve better harvests.

Another beneficiary, Florence Odama from Obubra, said the support would help reduce production costs and improve household income.

Stakeholders in the sector said the initiative signals the state government’s determination to significantly increase food production and strengthen food security across Cross River State during the 2026 farming season.