Ukorebi Esien | September 10, 2026
CALABAR — Cross River State Government has commenced the second phase of its Cowpea Development Programme, targeting approximately 10,125 tonnes of cowpea production by 2028.
The three-year initiative, implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, is designed to expand seed production, increase farmers’ incomes, improve food security and attract investment into the cowpea value chain.
The second phase was flagged off in Calabar with the distribution of improved cowpea and soybean seeds to farmers by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo.
The state will deploy 3.6 metric tonnes of improved SAMPEA 20-T foundation cowpea seeds sourced from the Institute for Agricultural Research, IAR, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The programme also provides for the establishment of 15 licensed cowpea seed multiplication stations, each covering at least one hectare, to support the production of certified seeds.
The state has set a target of 90 tonnes of cowpea seed production by the 2027 season and approximately 10,125 tonnes of cowpea production by 2028.
Under a proposed aggregation and off-take arrangement, the government intends to purchase about 75 per cent of participating farmers’ output, while farmers retain 25 per cent for household consumption.
The programme is expected to create opportunities in seed multiplication, farming, aggregation, storage, processing, transportation and marketing, while encouraging greater participation by women, youths and smallholder farmers.
Governor Bassey Edet Otu has also awarded a contract for the establishment of an Institute for Agricultural Research outstation in Nyanya, Bekwarra Local Government Area, as part of efforts to strengthen research and technical support for farmers.
The state government says the ultimate objective is to build an integrated cowpea value chain linking research and seed development to production, aggregation, marketing and reinvestment.
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