July 07, (THEWILL) – The Cross River State government has kicked off the distribution of improved cocoa seedlings to farmers in the Southern Senatorial District of the state.
The distribution took off at the Cocoa Demonstration Farm in the State’s broadcasting corporation, CRBC.
Flagging off the exercise, the State Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Esu, who was represented by a former Finance Commissioner in the State, Asuquo Ekpenyong, said the state government will support cocoa farmers.
He said the support will come through stipends and other resources to encourage local production.
He added that they will build them up with the capacity to grow it and also cultivate the seedlings.
Oscar Ofuka, the Special Adviser to the governor on Cocoa Development and Control, said the 100,000 seedlings will be distributed free of charge.
He explained that the idea is to create green millionaires across the state. Adding that they are driving the cocoa revolution with passion.
Also speaking, Munene Maurice Okon Eyo, the President of the Calabar South Traditional Rulers Council, said the traditional institutions are solidly behind the cocoa revolution going on across the state, particularly in the Southern Senatorial District.
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THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
