Cross River Adopts Digital Tracing Framework For Cocoa, Coffee, Oil Palm

The Cross River State government has launched a traceability programme for three key cash crops including cocoa, coffee, and oil palm.

The initiative aims to ensure end-to-end visibility of agricultural commodities from farm to market through a structured digital framework.

“The traceability system is a structured digital framework designed to ensure end-to-end visibility of agricultural commodities from farm to market,” a statement from the launch event revealed.

The system involves farm mapping, geolocation of production areas, registration of farmers and value chain actors, and secure data management.

Speaking during the flag-off in Calabar on Saturday evening, the state commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, stated that Governor Bassey Otu’s administration has commenced the implementation of the scheme and engaged PULA Advisors as lead consultant for the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) Compliance and Traceability Programme.

“This initiative aligns with national agricultural policies, international market requirements, sustainability standards, and the European Union Deforestation Regulation,” Hon. Ebokpo said.

He emphasized that the programme positions Cross River State as a credible source of deforestation-free and sustainably produced commodities.

Hon. Ebokpo highlighted the importance of traceability in the global market landscape, which is evolving rapidly.

“Major importing regions now require verifiable proof that agricultural commodities are not linked to deforestation or illegal production,” he noted.

He added that without traceability and geolocation compliance, farmers in the state risk losing access to premium international markets.

“This programme is therefore strategic and necessary to protect livelihoods, sustain export opportunities, and secure the future of our agricultural economy,” Hon. Ebokpo stated.

He stressed that the initiative is crucial for maintaining Cross River State’s competitiveness in the global agricultural market.

The commissioner expressed gratitude to the state governor, Senator Bassey Otu, for his leadership and vision in repositioning agriculture as a key driver of economic transformation in the state.

“His vision continues to reposition agriculture as a key driver of economic transformation in the state,” Hon. Ebokpo said.

The launch of the traceability programme marks a significant step towards ensuring that agricultural commodities from Cross River State meet international standards and remain competitive in global markets.

With this initiative, the state aims to enhance its reputation as a reliable source of sustainably produced cash crops.

As the programme rolls out, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are expected to benefit from improved market access and increased competitiveness.

The commissioner maintained that the state government will remain committed to supporting farmers and ensuring the long-term sustainability of its agricultural economy through initiatives like the traceability programme.