Akwa Ibom has launched a new variety of high-yielding cassava for farmers in a bid to boost food production and drive agricultural development in the State.
The event which took place at a privately-run model farm in Oruk Anam Local Government Area of the State and featured the unveiling of improved cassava varieties including “Baba 79,” “Renewed Hope,’’ and “Game Changer,’’ was organised by a private model farm in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and the National Root Crops Research Institute.
Governor Umo Eno, speaking at the launch, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the State’s commitment to agricultural transformation.
He said, “Revolution means a change, and we have been used to varieties of cassava that give us five to seven tons per hectare.
“But with what the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) has introduced and the trial has been done in a small farm, several other farms across the states, we are now seeing varieties that will give us up to over 40 tons per hectare,’’
