Cross River to Experience Boost in Agricultural Development as SAPZ Unveils Strategy to Revolutionize Cross River Agriculture
The Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme is set to amplify stakeholder engagement in Cross River State, with focus on expanding the cultivation, processing, and value addition of key crops such as cocoa, rice, and cassava in the state.
This strategic initiative aims to fortify agricultural value chains, enhance smallholder productivity, and drive sustainable agro-industrial development statewide.
This was stated at a one-day sensitization workshop in Calabar organized by the Cross River State Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones.
Rev Victor Edet, the SAPZ State Project Coordinator in his address disclosed that the programme has successfully raised approximately two million cocoa seedlings for distribution to farmers, aligning its agricultural development agenda with the anticipated economic benefits of the Bakassi Deep Sea Port.
"There are opportunities coming to Cross River State, and we must be prepared to position ourselves to take full advantage of them," Edet noted.
The Agricultural Productivity and Production Officer, Dr Bethel Ewung in a presentation emphasized that SAPZ is a key driver of job creation, regional development, and foreign exchange generation which integrates agriculture with industrial activities, commerce, and inclusive economic growth.
"Natural resources in CRS are high but the production level is low. The state has been identified as a hub so very soon we'll start seeing financial heavyweights coming into town and results trickling in"
"There'll be dedicated source of energy to the zones provided by The African Develioment Bank (ADB) to boost production and this we'll start seeing from February 2026" Ewung said.
On her part, the state Knowledge Management and Communication Officer, Lynda Cobham, highlighted the importance of effective collaboration among Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in building institutional capacity for comprehensive agricultural transformation.
She noted that SAPZ currently operates an Agro-Industrial Hub in Adiabo, Odukpani Local Government Area, and an Agricultural Transformation Centre in Okuku, Ogoja Local Government Area, with an implementation framework designed to ensure inclusive participation of men, women, and young people in the state's agricultural sector.
Dr Ramsey Ebam Ndep, State Chairman of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), as well as Kelly Ayamba, President Calabar chamber of commerce, industries, mines and agriculture described the workshop as a significant boost for farmers while providing a platform to enhance production and processing, access to inputs, processing facilities, and job opportunities.
They noted that the initiative would stimulate the local economy while urging Cross Riverians to capitalize on the opportunities presented by SAPZ.
The SAPZ programme is a Federal Government initiative supported by the African Development Bank (AfDB), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
