The government of Cross River State has completed an extensive skill-enhancement program for more than 700 small-scale farmers, young people’s organizations, and agriculture advisors throughout the three senatorial zones as part of its bold "Coffee Revolution" project.
The session ended on Monday at the Calabar Municipal Council Hall as part of the stakeholders' workshop for the Southern Senatorial District.
This was preceded by consecutive training sessions held the prior week in Bekwarra for the Northern District, and on Thursday, June 25, 2026, in Ikom for the Central District.
During the event, State Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, highlighted that the agricultural initiative is an intentional, planned strategy within the 'People First' leadership of Governor Bassey Edet Otu, designed to enhance rural financial flow and promote economic variety.
He stated, "The coffee boom in Cross River State isn't accidental. It stems from the enthusiasm and forward-thinking guidance of His Excellency, Prince Bassey Out, who aims to broaden our economy via farming and establish lasting ways of life for our citizens."
Regarding why the government opted to emphasize a smallholder approach rather than large-scale commercial agriculture from the start, Ebokpo noted that the administration aims to boost the localized currency circulation, with particular attention on raising current and savings account balances (CASA) among regular people.
"Our attention is directed towards growing our local currency circulation. Many of you have visited Ikom. It’s a program aimed at small-scale cocoa farmers that has significantly shaped the economic landscape of Ikom. This funds remain with regular individuals such as ourselves. The concept is that the cash flow generated from coffee will aid the clothing sector, assist the dining industry—essentially the food business—as at this point, we aim to enhance the buying capacity of our population," he mentioned.
The Commission stated that Cross River has a special worldwide benefit, being among the limited areas able to easily grow both main commercial coffee types—premium Arabica, which flourishes in the cool, elevated landscapes of Obanliku and Obudu, and Robusta, suited for lower elevations.
Additionally, Ebokpo stated that the Southern Senatorial District has a significant climatic advantage for growing Robusta which other nations do not have.
The amount of rain you receive in Cross River State accounts for nearly 33% of Africa's precipitation in the southeastern region of the Niger Delta. Other nations that cultivate Robusta—such as Brazil, India, and Indonesia—do not experience the same level of rainfall. This implies that you can increase your production due to the available rainfall.
In order to achieve significant market reach, Ebokpo revealed that the state administration has provided financial support for better planting supplies, reducing the price of coffee saplings from N1,000 to only N300, as the government covers the remaining N700.
He further mentioned that although the distribution started last year, it was briefly halted because of adverse weather conditions to avoid low plant survival in the fields.
However, the Commissioner stated that the distribution of these subsidized saplings will restart in July 2026.
The Governor's Special Advisor for Agriculture, Professor John Shiyam, called on certified farmers, extension workers, and regional supervisors to start preparing the land right away in order to make the most of the rainy season.
By the end of this week or early next week, we'll provide you with the saplings. Your land is already ready, and you can start planting right away. The key is for your crops to get at least three months of rain before the first dry period begins.
Shiyam stated that the initiative provides lasting empowerment instead of temporary political aid.
"By the time you own one hectare of coffee or even two hectares, you're already considered wealthy. Within the next few years, once your coffee plants start producing, the market will be ready for you," he added.
Supplied by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).