The Cross River State government said it has released the 2019/20 Cocoa Land Lease Allocation to beneficiary farmers in the state.
The Chairman of State Cocoa Board, Dr Oscar Ofuka, made this known on Monday during a stakeholders and landlord communities meeting at Effraya, Etung Local Government Area.
He said that the allocation had taken care of the interest of landlord communities.
“The 2019/20 allocation has taken care of the interest of landlord communities and various interest groups in the state.
Fisayo Soyombo feels unsafe over threat of arrest after undercover report on police, prisons
“This year’s allocation was carefully undertaken to ensure that the farmers contribute to the regeneration and rehabilitation of the estates,’’ Ofuka said.
He cautioned farmers against unnecessary encroachment on government-owned lands adding that government is willing to pay the landlord communities.
The Paramount Ruler of Etung Local Government Area, Dr Emmanuel Ojong described the release of the allocation as timely.
He said this would build the confidence of farmers and boost government’s effort to diversify the economy of the state.
He appealed to farmers to support the state government in repositioning cocoa in the state. (NAN)