The Cross River State Government has commenced a statewide training programme for prospective coffee farmers ahead of the distribution of improved coffee seedlings scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026.
The training, organised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, started at the Bekwarra Local Government Council Hall in Abuochiche for participants from the Northern Senatorial District. Traditional rulers, community leaders, farmers, women and other stakeholders in the coffee value chain attended the exercise.
Speaking at the opening session, the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Prof. John Shiyam, said coffee presents significant economic opportunities for the state. He said the government remains committed to unlocking the value of Cross River’s agricultural resources through investment in coffee production.
Prof. Shiyam commended the turnout, particularly the participation of women, saying it reflects the administration’s commitment to inclusion. He urged participants to pay close attention to the training because they would be expected to transfer the knowledge to other farmers in their communities.
The Chairman of Bekwarra Local Government Council, Hon. Sir Egbung Odama, described the initiative as part of Governor Bassey Otu’s vision for agricultural development and encouraged participants to make full use of the opportunity.
The training featured both classroom and field sessions on site selection, land preparation, planting, farm management and other agronomic practices. Participants also engaged facilitators during interactive sessions where questions relating to coffee cultivation were addressed.
Following the practical demonstration, stakeholders, including government officials, planted coffee seedlings as a show of commitment to the development of the coffee value chain in the state.
The government delegation included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Tree Crops, Mr. Fidelis Effa, alongside technical directors from the ministry.
As the training moves to the Central and Southern Senatorial Districts, prospective farmers have been encouraged to prepare their land and pay for improved coffee seedlings at the subsidised rate of ₦300 per seedling ahead of the July 1 distribution.
