Akwa Ibom State has mapped 486 farm roads for intervention and begun distributing more than 620,000 tree crop seedlings across its 31 local government areas as part of efforts to expand agricultural production and improve farmers’ access to markets.

The Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Offiong Offor, disclosed this during a live interview on ARISE Discourse on Comfort 95.1 FM, Uyo, on Friday, October 16, to mark World Food Day.

Offor said work had commenced on some of the mapped farm roads under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAMP), while preparations were continuing for interventions on others.

She explained that poor rural connectivity often makes it difficult for farmers to transport produce to urban markets, adding that improved access roads would ease the movement of agricultural goods and support commercial activities in farming communities.

The commissioner also disclosed that the distribution of more than 620,000 tree crop seedlings under the state’s tree crop revolution initiative had covered over 14 local government areas, with the remaining areas expected to benefit as weather conditions permitted.

She said the initiative focused on crops suited to the state’s agricultural strengths, with the aim of expanding production and creating better income opportunities for farmers.

Offor said the road and seedling interventions formed part of the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen food production, improve agricultural value chains and reduce challenges confronting farmers under the ARISE Agenda.

She identified access to farm machinery, improved planting materials, grants, agricultural extension services and preservation facilities as other measures being pursued to improve productivity.

According to her, the state’s equipment leasing company provides farmers with access to tractors at subsidised rates, helping to reduce dependence on manual labour and make land preparation easier.

She added that the government was revamping greenhouse facilities, reactivating agricultural extension services and promoting improved crop varieties to expose farmers to modern production methods.

The commissioner also identified the School Agricultural Programme and the monthly Farm Day initiative as measures intended to broaden participation in agriculture.

She said the school programme encourages pupils to engage in farming from an early age, while Farm Day gives civil servants an opportunity to cultivate their farms and contribute to food production.

Offor urged public servants to use the initiative productively, noting that food security would require participation beyond professional farmers to include young people, workers and households.

She also encouraged youths to explore opportunities in processing, storage, transportation and marketing, rather than viewing agriculture solely as crop cultivation or livestock production.

On post-harvest losses, the commissioner said the government was establishing a cold-chain facility in the Oron axis to improve fish storage and preservation for fishermen and traders in coastal communities.

She said drying centres were also being incorporated into the facility to provide alternative preservation options for operators unable to sell their catches immediately.

Offor noted that better preservation methods, supported by agricultural extension services, would help reduce waste and improve the quality of produce reaching consumers.

She further identified cocoa as one of the state’s commodities with export potential, urging farmers to meet market specifications and quality standards to benefit from opportunities beyond Akwa Ibom and Nigeria.

The commissioner also cited collaboration with the Federal Government and agricultural institutions on fertiliser distribution and improved planting materials as part of efforts to support farmers.

She said the government was encouraging residents to establish productive home gardens through incentives and prize awards, while its model farm was intended to promote improved farming practices.

Reflecting on this year’s World Food Day theme, “Innovate Today, Nourish Tomorrow,” Offor said sustained investment in agriculture and the adoption of modern techniques were necessary to improve food availability in the years ahead.

She said the state government was also meeting with farmers to recognise their contribution to food production and encourage greater participation in the sector.

Offor maintained that expanding agricultural output would depend not only on providing inputs but also on improving rural infrastructure, reducing post-harvest losses and linking farmers to viable markets.