By Ene Asuquo
As the world celebrated world food day recently which is to draw attention to agriculture and encourage the participation of rural people and activities influencing their living conditions, the Honourable commissioner for Agriculture in cross River State, Mr. Mfon Bassey said that, hunger and malnutrition is still a global pandemic
The commissioner made the assertion in the event to mark 2022 world food day in calabar with the Theme, “LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND: a better production, a better environment, a better nutrition and a better life”
He said this year’s theme is quite apt and timely in cross River State as it has re- echoed the huge attention the present administration of Governor Ayade has given to agricultural development through the establishment of agro base industrialization environment
He stressed that the administration of the Governor has placed a high premium on agriculture in the state, thus, changing the narratives of cross River State from a civil service state, maintaining that emphasis by this administration is to diversify the state economy and embrace agriculture
He commended the effort of the state governor, for promoting and developing agriculture in the state which include: the setting up of a rice processing factory in Ogoja, an ultramodern cocoa processing plant in Ikom , poultry processing and packaging factory etc.
Mr Bassey added that agricultural sector alone in the state has contributes over 45% of the state Gross Domestic Product ( GDP), with a huge investment in the Agro – Industralisation and various value chains aimed at ensuring sustainability
He called on cross Riverians to take advantage of agricultural development policy of the present administration by going into massive agriculture if we must be self sufficient in food production
Mean while, as part of the activities to mark this year’s event, there was exhibition of various types by local farmers in the state who brought their farm produce to show case which were inspected by the Honourable commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Mfon Bassey and other dignitaries
Award was also given to Ntoe Ededem Okon Ayito 111, clan head of kasuk quo clan 2 for his out standing performance and contributions to agriculture in the state
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