Cassava farmers receive N36.2m in Cross River

Commissioner for agriculture in the state, James Aniyom, said the amount is for the first batch of 242 cassava farmers across the state, adding that subsequent batches will similarly be attended to. He said cassava production in the state needed to be stepped up and that it was more important for the farmers to apply […]

Commissioner for agriculture in the state, James Aniyom, said the amount is for the first batch of 242 cassava farmers across the state, adding that subsequent batches will similarly be attended to.
He said cassava production in the state needed to be stepped up and that it was more important for the farmers to apply modern methods to cultivate bigger farms and produce the crop in commercial quantity.
Aniyom called on farmers in the state to register with the Commercial Agriculture and Rural Empowerment Scheme (CARES) in order to further benefit from the N355 billion set aside by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture for production of wheat and cassava in the country.
While charging the farmers to apply the funds judiciously, the commissioner also urged them to regularly submit their progress reports so that his ministry can intervene wherever possible.
Chairman of the association, Rev Augustine Oqua, thanked the state government for the loan and assured that members would ensure judicious application.
He said in an effort to meet the high demand and expectation from customers and stakeholders, they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a private firm on a buy-back of cassava tubers.
The Chairman of Cassava Loan Disbursement Committee, Mr Alban Nwogu, advised beneficiaries to stick to the terms of reference of the disbursement so that other farmers can equally benefit.