Otu Inaugurates C’ttee to Bolster Oil Palm, Cocoa, Coffee Value Chains

Cross River governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has inaugurated a multi-stakeholder committee to draw up a development framework for the optimisation of oil palm, cocoa and coffee value chains in the state.

Inaugurating the committee, Otu pointed out that cocoa, coffee and oil palm are crops in which Cross River State enjoys unchallenged comparative advantage in the country.

He said the state was determined to derive maximum returns in its areas of advantage, and has after a careful consideration, come up with the model of having key stakeholders to achieve the dream in an organised and co-operative manner.

"We have taken this option because of the belief that while the crops are different, your managerial and active experience from your respective backgrounds will complement each other for the greatest benefit of the state.

"The initiative is also to minimise duplication of effort in certain areas of production, while at the same time avoiding the tendency of reaching out to the same technical partners for support, as it is more likely under an alternative multiple committee structure," he said.

The governor highlighted the committee's terms of reference to include the following: Develop a seven-year strategic plan that outlines strategies that enhance cocoa, coffee and oil palm cultivation, productivity and quality; to 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 consideration.

It is also to evaluate existing laws related to cocoa and oil palm production in order to make necessary adjustments to promote growth.