How Gov Otu’s Project Grow is Accelerating Land Allocation to Farmers in Cross River
By Ebi COLLINS
Project Grow, the flagship agricultural initiative of the Cross River State Government, is rapidly advancing the allocation of cultivated farmlands to farmers across the state, marking a bold step toward inclusive rural development, food security, and economic empowerment.
Spearheaded by Governor Bassey Edet Otu and rooted in his “People First” governance philosophy, Project Grow underscores the administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture into a viable and sustainable engine for prosperity.
The initiative is designed to scale up commercial agriculture while prioritizing local participation and community ownership. At its core, Project Grow places Cross Riverians at the heart of agribusiness, leveraging the state’s vast arable land and youthful population to drive food production and improve livelihoods.
Currently, the Project Grow team is on the ground in key agricultural hubs—including Odukpani, Obubra, Ogoja, Yala, Ikom, Yakurr, and Obanliku—where they are actively engaging traditional institutions, youth groups, and community stakeholders to facilitate land distribution and ramp up farming activities.
In communities such as Woda and Mkpani, traditional leaders have warmly welcomed the project team, expressing strong optimism about the initiative’s long-term impact. They pledged full support, emphasizing the importance of agriculture in creating jobs, reducing rural poverty, and stimulating local economies.
To fast-track progress, tractors, farm equipment, and essential inputs have been deployed, with planting already underway in several locations. This move signals the state’s readiness to transition from subsistence farming to large-scale, sustainable crop production.
One of the standout features of Project Grow is its institutional collaboration with the Faculty of Agricultural Science at the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS), Okuku campus. Students undergoing Industrial Training (IT) are currently embedded in various farming operations under the project, gaining practical, hands-on experience in modern agriculture and agribusiness management.
This partnership not only enriches the students’ academic journey but also strengthens the future of agriculture in the state by building a skilled and experienced workforce.
As land allocation continues across the state, Project Grow remains committed to inclusive growth, youth empowerment, and sustainable development. The initiative is steadily positioning farming as a profitable, future-ready enterprise and reaffirming Governor Otu’s vision of a people-centred agricultural revolution.
