C’River Flags Off Distribution of Improved Cowpea Seeds to Boost Food Security, Nutrition
By Ebi COLLINS
The Cross River State Government has flagged off the distribution of 3,600 packs of improved cowpea seeds (SAMPEA 20-T) to farmers across the state under its Homestead Cowpea Cultivation Programme, a key component of Governor Bassey Otu’s Food Security and Nutrition Initiative.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Calabar Municipal Council, on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to tackling food insecurity, malnutrition, and rising food costs.
“We are not just distributing seeds today but deepening our collective commitment to food security, nutrition, and sustainable livelihoods for the people of Cross River State,” Ebokpo stated.
He explained that cowpea, commonly known as beans, remains a staple food rich in protein and essential nutrients, yet its high cost, driven by transportation from the North and general food inflation, has made it unaffordable for many families in the state. The homestead farming model, he said, will enable households to grow beans in their backyards, thereby reducing dependence on expensive market supplies.
Ebokpo emphasized that the program carries a sustainability model that encourages farmers to consume and conserve by saving seeds for replanting. He assured that agricultural extension officers will provide technical support to help households establish continuous seed multiplication systems.
The Commissioner thanked Governor Otu for his vision and leadership, noting that the effort aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and national nutrition goals. He also acknowledged the support of the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR), Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and the active involvement of the Governor’s wife, Bishop Mrs. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, Chairperson of the Advisory Committee of the Cross River State Homestead Farming Project.
In his remarks, the Chief Whip of the State House of Assembly and Chairman of the House Committee on Nutrition, Rt. Hon. Hilary Bisong, described the improved seeds as a product of research designed to boost productivity, improve yields, reduce crop losses, and enhance resilience to climate change.
“This initiative is a testament to our commitment as a government to the productivity of farmers and the promotion of sustainable agriculture,” Bisong said, pledging legislative support to the Ministry of Agriculture.
The Vice Chairman of the State Planning Commission, Dr. Bong Duke, hailed Cross River’s progress in national nutrition rankings, attributing the gains to proactive leadership. He described the intervention as a major contribution to transforming food systems and improving nutrition outcomes in the state and beyond.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. John Ikongha, underscored the importance of nutrition in promoting health and well-being, noting that food security entails availability, accessibility, utilization, and stability.
Similarly, the Director of Agricultural Services, Mr. Ubi Ubana, highlighted the seed’s unique features, stressing that it is high-yielding, producing up to 100kg of beans from 1.5kg within 75–90 days, and resistant to pests and diseases. He warned farmers that the seeds are treated and poisonous; mainly for planting and not to consumed.
Women farmers, represented by the State Chairperson of Women in Agriculture, Madam Philomena Eyo, expressed gratitude to the government, pledging their readiness to work hard in ensuring food security.
“Women are the backbone of farming, and we are ready to take this initiative seriously. We thank the Governor and his wife for giving us this opportunity and ask for more support as we continue to feed the state,” she said.
