The Deputy Governor, Professor Ivara Ejemot Esu has lauded the pace of work at the Irish Potato cultivation site located at the Obudu Ranch Resort.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Senator Ayade-led administration to reduce unemployment rate and empower the youth to create sustainable wealth through the State’s Agro Revolution programmes.
The Deputy Governor maintained that Governor Ayade is not just developing the pilot farm but getting the host community especially her youths and women involved in the project.
He emphasized that the idea will go a long way in empowering the communities economically and socially and thus improving their standard of living.
“The Crop can only do well in a temperate climate such as the Ranch Resort and advised the people to develop interest in the cultivation of Irish potato to boost their Agro-based economy” Professor Esu explains.
Conducting the Deputy Governor round some sections of the farm, the Special Adviser on Agriculture and Value Chain Development, Mr. Emmanuel Anoh said the economic value chain of Irish potatoe is becoming one of the world’s most attractive and demanding crop.
He stated that 20 hectares of land has been acquired for the pilot phase, while another five thousand hectares will be acquired for the out growers adding that government will provide the materials and market for the farmers as well as skills to boost the productions of Irish potato value chain in the State.
Mr Anoh disclosed that the available species for cultivation are the “connect” which is in high demand because of its disease resistance while the “Marabel” species has a high yielding capacity, moderately susceptible to potato blight.
The Deputy Governor also inspected the ornamental flower farm project at the Ranch, where he was also conducted round by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Value Chain Development, Mr. Emmanuel Anoh who explained that the flower production will be exported for the production of cosmetics and ornaments.