From Subsistence To Agribusiness: Cross River’s New Growth Blueprint
Cross River Unveils Ambitious Agribusiness Growth Strategy
CROSS River State has unveiled an ambitious plan to attract ₦150 billion in private-sector agricultural investment over the next six years as part of a broader strategy to transform agriculture into a major driver of economic growth, employment generation and food security.
The initiative is anchored on a ₦30 billion Agri-Development Fund established by the state government to provide investment guarantees and reduce risks associated with large-scale agricultural ventures.
Officials say the programme represents a significant shift from traditional subsistence farming toward a commercially oriented agricultural economy capable of attracting investors, expanding value chains and improving rural livelihoods.
Project GROW Positions Agriculture as an Economic Engine
Speaking during a media briefing in Calabar, the Coordinator of Project GROW, Dennis Ikpali, explained that the programme was designed to reposition agriculture as a business-driven sector with strong market linkages and sustainable investment opportunities.
According to him, the state has already facilitated ₦3 billion in agricultural financing while securing an additional ₦1.5 billion to support activities during the 2026 farming season.
Ikpali noted that the project focuses on strategic value chains including rice, cassava, maize, soybean and aquaculture, while also supporting secondary agricultural commodities such as cowpea, sorghum, wheat, groundnut and orange-fleshed sweet potato.
He said the approach seeks to create a more integrated agricultural ecosystem where production, processing, financing and market access are carefully coordinated.
₦18 Billion Offtake Agreement Signals Investor Confidence
A major milestone recorded under the initiative is the securing of an ₦18 billion produce offtake agreement with Flour Mills of Nigeria.
The agreement provides for the supply of 2,000 metric tonnes of soybean and 20,000 metric tonnes of maize, creating a guaranteed market for participating farmers and agribusiness operators.
Officials revealed that discussions are also progressing on future cassava supply arrangements, further expanding market opportunities for producers within the state.
The arrangement reflects a growing trend in agricultural development where market commitments are secured before production begins, reducing uncertainty for farmers and investors.
“We are deliberately building a market system where production is linked to guaranteed markets,” Ikpali explained, adding that the strategy is aimed at eliminating situations where farmers struggle to find buyers after harvest.
Building Value Chains and Expanding Farmer Capacity
Beyond financing and market access, the programme has focused heavily on strengthening agricultural value chains.
According to project officials, more than 28 agribusiness aggregators and over 20 service providers have already been integrated into the system, helping farmers access mechanisation services, improved inputs and technical support.
In partnership with the German development organisation APOS, the programme has also trained more than 5,300 farmers in modern agricultural practices, financial literacy and agribusiness management.
The pilot phase has already seen the cultivation of approximately 450 hectares of maize and soybean, while 114 metric tonnes of soybean have been successfully supplied to processing companies.
Agriculture as a Tool for Employment and Economic Growth
Project GROW has begun generating measurable economic outcomes, including the creation of 391 direct jobs, with assessments underway to determine the wider indirect employment impact.
Analysts say such initiatives could play a significant role in addressing youth unemployment, boosting rural incomes and increasing agricultural productivity across the state.
By strengthening links between producers and processors, the project seeks to stimulate local economic activity while reducing dependence on imports and enhancing food availability.
Government Pushes Investment-Led Agricultural Transformation
The Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Ebokpo, said the administration of Bassey Otu was repositioning agriculture from a social intervention programme into a strategic economic sector.
According to him, the state’s agricultural policy is designed to attract private capital, strengthen agribusiness enterprises, expand employment opportunities and improve food security outcomes.
He acknowledged that despite Cross River’s favourable climate and abundant natural resources, the sector has historically been constrained by inadequate financing, weak market structures, limited private-sector participation and underdeveloped value chains.
Collaboration Seen as Key to Long-Term Success
The commissioner stressed that sustainable agricultural transformation would require strong collaboration among government agencies, farmers, financial institutions, development partners and the media.
He assured stakeholders that the state would continue investing in extension services, climate-smart agriculture initiatives and policies aimed at improving the business environment for investors.
As Cross River pursues its ₦150 billion investment target, the success of Project GROW may become a key test of how state governments can leverage agriculture as a catalyst for economic diversification and inclusive development.
