Cross River Approves N525.3m for Crop Research Institute

On Tuesday, July 28, the Cross River State Executive Council, led by Deputy Governor Peter Odey, approved the construction of a N525.3 million Administrative and Laboratory Complex for the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI) Outstation at Mile 6, Obubra Local Government Area. This project aims to boost food security, agricultural innovation, and rural economic transformation.

The initiative aligns with the 47th National Council on Agriculture's resolutions and the Federal Government's strategic agenda. Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon.

Johnson Ebokpo, presented the memorandum, emphasizing the project's role in enhancing agricultural research and localized seed production. The Obubra-Ikom agricultural corridor is noted for its ideal conditions for root crop innovation.

The project will also establish a seed production platform using Semi-Autotrophic Hydroponics (SAH) technology, in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture and NRCRI. Governor Bassey Otu's vision focuses on building a resilient, innovation-driven agricultural sector.