Gov. Otu plans to reactivate Songhai Farms and starch-making plant In Cross River.

BY: EDEM ARCHIBONG, CALABAR

Governor Prince Bassey Edet Otu of Cross River State is strategizing on the reactivation of Songhai Farms, Itigidi and the Starch producing Plant at Ochon in Obubra Local Government Area of the state.

This decision was reached during the planned visit of Governor Otu last weekend as part of his project’s inspection routine in the Central Senatorial District of the state where he expressed regrets at the state of the Songhai Farms Project abandonment.

Governor Otu had instantly announced the reactivation Planning that will bring the farm to a full-scale production while also calling for the opening of Nge Farms Beach within next week.

Similarly, at the Starch making plant at Ochon in Obubra Local Government Area, the Governor observe that the plants were designed to operate a three production lines but it is only one production line is operational while he emphasize the need to attract investors and partners for effective reactivation that will ensure full scale Plant operation.

He further explained that the Starch making plant is expected to play a vital role in the state industrialization efforts because it can produce high quality starch and Glucose Syrups needed particularly by the Food and Pharmaceutical industries operations.

In an attempt to boost agriculture in the state and ensure that the state is standing in advantage position in the country’s agricultural value chain status, Governor Otu emphasised that the focus must be on how to boost local production of Oil Palm development and to realize this effectively, his administration must give support to Smallholder farmers.

Also Speaking earlier on the Starch making plant is the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo Jr. explained that prospective partners are already showing interest in the Starch making plant in the state.

He also disclosed the Manufacturing capacity of high-quality glucose syrup and starch for various industrial uses.