By Ogar Monday
The Cross River State Government said it has set for itself the target of producing 500, 000 metric tons of cocoa on a yearly basis to help in economic diversification and add to already depleting federal allocation.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Professor Augustine Eneji made the disclosure at a stakeholders meeting with PIND Foundation on possible areas of collaboration and to review the foundation’s strategic partnership with Cross River Government.
Professor Eneji maintained that the fall of oil prices has made most State Governments look towards agriculture and that Cross River is favored in that regards as it has huge land mass, arable land and a teeming young population among others.
On his part, the State Economic Adviser and Vice Chairman, State Planning Commission, Dr. Francis Ntamu revealed that the essence of the meeting is to access the benefits of the over ten years bilateral agreements between the State Government and PIND Foundation.
His words: “You can’t build a deep sea port or a super highway; projects that have long term benefits without strategic planning. This meeting therefore affords the State the opportunity to brainstorm with PIND Foundation in areas we can grow our partnership especially in agriculture.”
Speaking earlier, the Program Director PIND Foundation, Mr. Dara Akala said the occasion is important as it brings private voluntary organizations and relevant government agencies together to engender development. He concluded by assuring that the partnership will continue to yield positive result.
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