The Cross River State Government and an agribusiness firm in Kwara State have partnered to develop a 30,000-hectare coffee plantation across the state’s 18 local government areas over the next five years.
Speaking with journalists in Ilorin, the founder of JR Farms, Mr Olawale Rotimi-Opeyemi, stated that the initiative aims to expand the coffee value chain and position Cross River as a key player in Nigeria’s coffee production.
According to him, the agribusiness firm will collaborate with the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development on the initiative, which is set to commence in the coming months.
He noted that, in preparation for the initiative’s launch, he, alongside the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, and other relevant stakeholders, visited several communities in the state, where they engaged with farmers and local authorities.
During a meeting with the Acting Governor of the state, Dr Peter Odey, last Friday to discuss the initiative, Olawale stated that the partnership aligns with his company’s mission to revolutionise agribusiness through sustainable partnerships and impactful investments.
“We are excited about this collaboration with the Cross River State Government. Coffee production presents a significant opportunity for economic transformation, and by leveraging Cross River’s rich agricultural resources, we aim to establish a robust coffee value chain that benefits local farmers and the broader economy.
“As a state with both highlands and flatlands, a temperate climate, good soil, water bodies, and large agrarian communities, Cross River is uniquely positioned to grow both Arabica and Robusta coffee and become a leading coffee producer and exporter in Nigeria,” he stated.
The JR Farms CEO further revealed that the initiative would commence with the cultivation of Arabica coffee in Boki and Obanliku Local Government Areas, as these regions possess the necessary highlands and favourable climatic conditions for optimal coffee growth.
Also speaking, Hon. Ebokpo expressed optimism that the initiative would enhance the state’s agricultural output, create employment opportunities, attract investment in the coffee production industry, and position Cross River as a leading producer of high-quality coffee beans in Nigeria.
The commissioner reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to fostering collaborations that drive economic growth and sustainable development.
“The development of a 30,000-hectare coffee plantation will not only boost Cross River’s agricultural economy but also create jobs for thousands of our people, especially in rural communities. We are committed to supporting initiatives that enhance our state’s economic diversification,” he said.
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