C’River Basin Engages 350 Farmers

The Cross River Basin
Development Authority (CRBDA), one of the 12 River Basin Development Authorities in the country, has engaged over 350 farmers in cropping activities within its region.
Our correspondent reports that River Basin Authorities in Nigeria were established primarily for the provision of sustainable access to water, to enhance economic and agricultural activities in the country.
This is contained in 2014 report of the Cross River Basin Development Authority, obtained in Abuja recently.
According to the report, Cross River chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria takes advantage of the facilities provided by the authority at its irrigation projects to maximise food production in the rural areas.
“With over 350 farmers actively engaged, the project has provided jobs to women and youths, thereby supporting the job creation policy of the Federal Government in the host communities.
“The irrigation projects of the dam had made some meaningful achievements over the years.
“The project with 62 hectares of land is currently cultivating crops such as pumpkin, eggplant, pepper, water leaf, cassava and yam.
“In the project, farmers are advised to adopt best agronomic practices to enhance production of good quality crops,“ it said.
The report stated further that the presence of the irrigation facilities became an added advantage for farmers to access inputs from the Federal Government’s Growth Enhancement Support (GES) Scheme and Harvest Plus Cassava Scheme.
In the report, the authority’s Managing Director, Mr Mfon Essien, was quoted as commending the farmers in the state for proper utilisation of the dam.
He explained that that it would help to synergise ideas for greater productivity in the agricultural sector.
Essien said the authority was restructured to refocus its resources on projects to provide the greatest benefits to communities, which was the primary objective for which the authority was established.
“The basin has also impacted the community through provision of potable water to the citizens of the area, “ Essien added.

Dr. Dakuku Peterside, APC Standard bearer in Rivers State, addressing HRM King GNK Giniwa, Chairman, Supreme Council of Ogoni Traditional Rulers, and his chiefs during a courtesy call at his palace. Photo: NAN