Cross River To Train Coffee Farmers Ahead Of July Seedling Distribution

The Cross River State government will hold a statewide training for coffee farmers and stakeholders in the three senatorial districts.

The move is “in furtherance of its commitment to developing the coffee value chain” and part of preparations for distributing improved coffee seedlings from “July 1, 2026”.   The commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development revealed this yesterday during an interactive session.

He stated that the ministry would coordinate the training so that farmers who have indicated interest in coffee cultivation can “equip themselves with necessary skills in coffee cultivation”.

According to the announcement, participation is open to prospective coffee farmers who made payment for coffee seedlings in the 2025 and 2026 batches.

The exercise covers farmers and other stakeholders in the coffee value chain, with “broad inclusion” aimed at “strengthening the entire coffee value chain”.

“The training is designed to build capacity for better yields,” the ministry said, adding that it will “equip participants with practical knowledge and skills in coffee cultivation and modern agronomic practices.”

The commissioner maintained that “the focus will be on techniques that improve productivity and quality for both new and existing farmers.”

The commissioner also urged farmers  to take immediate steps ahead of seedling distribution and “commence the process of land preparation immediately” in readiness for the improved seedlings.  The ministry stressed that early preparation will ensure a smooth planting season.   A statement from the Information Unit of the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture, signed by the commissioner and sighted by LEADERSHIP, said sessions will hold across the three senatorial districts.

“In the Northern Senatorial District, it will be at ‘Bekwarra Council Hall’ on ‘Tuesday, 23 June 2026’, whereas in the Central senatorial district the venue is ‘Ikom Council Hall’ on ‘Thursday, 25 June 2026’, stressing that the training in the southern senatorial district  would take place at ‘Calabar Municipal Council Hall’ on ‘Saturday June 27, 2026’.”

The ministry’s statement stated  that coffee is a premium global export crop with potential for wealth creation, employment, foreign exchange, and growth,  urging residents of the state  to “Join Governor Bassey Otu’s Coffee Revolution and be part of a prosperous future.”