Nigeria: Cross River to develop 7-year plan to boost oil palm, cocoa, coffee

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River State has charged a newly inaugurated committee to draw up a 7-year strategic plan which will enhance the gains of three economic crops—cocoa, coffee and oil palm fruits. The governor made the charge whilst inaugurating a multi-stakeholder committee in his office Wednesday. He said they were to draw up a development framework for the optimisation of the crops and their value chains in the state. The strategy will embody cultivation, productivity, and design Value Chain policies for cocoa and oil palm in such a manner that it encourages direct investment, supports farmers and addresses market dynamics. According to the governor, it was also to mobilise resources for the plan to establish six new cocoa estates in Cross River State which must be in line with climate and biodiversity considerations. Otu said, “Cocoa, coffee, and oil palm are crops in which Cross River State enjoys unchallenged advantage. We are determined to derive maximum return on ...