Cross River Approves N525.3m Crop Research Institute To Boost Agric Innovation

To boost food security, agricultural innovation and rural economic transformation, the Cross River State Executive Council has approved the construction of a state-of-the-art Administrative and Laboratory Complex for the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Outstation at Mile 6, Obubra local government area.

The decision was taken yesterday at the SEC meeting presided over by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.

The council described the initiative as a bold investment that will reposition Cross River as Nigeria’s foremost hub for root and tuber research, seed technology and agribusiness development.

The approval followed the consideration of a memorandum presented by the commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, who informed the council that the initiative aligned with the resolutions of the 47th National Council on Agriculture and the federal government’s strategic agenda to strengthen sub-national food security systems.

He emphasised that the project seeks to deepen agricultural research, promote localised seed production, and accelerate the deployment of climate-smart farming technologies across the state. “This intervention is strategically designed to strengthen agricultural research, technology dissemination and localised seed production ecosystems to guarantee long-term food security and stimulate private-sector investment in agribusiness,” the memorandum stated.

Council observed that Cross River’s enormous comparative advantage in cassava, yam and sweet potato production places it in a unique position to become the nation’s leading centre for root crop innovation. It noted that the Obubra-Ikom agricultural corridor possesses the ideal ecological conditions for varietal trials, certified seed multiplication and the rapid dissemination of improved technologies directly to farmers. “The Obubra-Ikom axis remains one of Nigeria’s most productive agricultural belts and provides the perfect environment for scientific research, innovation and commercialisation of improved root crop technologies,” the Council affirmed.

The Council further disclosed that the project would pave the way for the establishment of a cutting-edge seed production platform using Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology through a strategic collaboration involving the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the National Root Crops Research Institute.

According to the Council, strengthening the NRCRI Outstation’s physical infrastructure is indispensable to unlocking the enormous opportunities embedded in the partnership. “The modernised facility will serve as the critical foundation for producing certified disease-free planting materials, high-yield varieties and improved technologies capable of transforming agricultural productivity across Cross River State and beyond,” the memorandum explained.

Reaffirming Governor Bassey Otu’s vision of building a resilient, innovation-driven agricultural economy, Council described the project as far more than a physical infrastructure initiative. It said the complex would become an innovation ecosystem where scientific research meets enterprise, creating new opportunities for mechanisation, value addition, input development and commercial agriculture. “The facility will serve as a catalyst for private-sector investment, public-private partnerships and youth agripreneurship, while de-risking farming operations and positioning Cross River as one of Nigeria’s most attractive destinations for agricultural investment,” Council declared.

The Council equally noted that because the NRCRI is a Federal Government institution, the state’s investment would strategically leverage substantial federal interventions and international donor support. It maintained that the project represents a prudent long-term investment capable of generating enduring economic dividends through improved food security, seed system independence, agricultural industrialisation, and enhanced internally generated revenue. ” his strategic intervention places Cross River in an advantageous position to attract matching federal resources and global development partnerships, thereby multiplying the impact of the state’s investment,” Ebokpo noted.

The project, which encompasses site preparation, an administrative complex, modern laboratories, staff accommodation, utilities, fittings and all essential support infrastructure, is expected to commence immediately following the release of funds. The Council noted that the approval reaffirmed Governor Otu’s conviction that sustainable development begins with strategic investments in agriculture. ” his administration remains resolute in building enduring institutions that will outlive the present generation, strengthen food sovereignty, empower farmers, attract investment and secure the future of Cross River State as Nigeria’s agricultural powerhouse,” Council declared.