Kwara Agribusiness, Cross River government collaborate to boost coffee production

The Cross River State Government has partnered with JR Farms, an agribusiness firm based in Kwara State, to establish a 30,000-hectare coffee plantation across the state’s 18 local government areas over the next five years.

Speaking in Ilorin, the founder of JR Farms, Mr. Olawale Rotimi-Opeyemi, highlighted that the initiative aims to expand Nigeria’s coffee value chain and position Cross River as a major player in the sector. He emphasized that the collaboration with the Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development is set to commence in the coming months.

In preparation for the project’s launch, Rotimi-Opeyemi, alongside the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, and other stakeholders, visited several communities in the state. They engaged with farmers and local authorities to assess the feasibility of the initiative.

During a recent meeting with the Acting Governor of Cross River, Dr. Peter Odey, Rotimi-Opeyemi reiterated that the partnership aligns with JR Farms’ mission to revolutionize agribusiness through sustainable investments and impactful collaborations.

“We are excited about this partnership with the Cross River State Government. Coffee production presents a significant economic opportunity, and by leveraging the state’s rich agricultural resources, we aim to build a thriving coffee value chain that benefits local farmers and the broader economy,” he said.

He further noted that Cross River’s diverse topography, including highlands and flatlands, along with its temperate climate, fertile soil, and abundant water bodies, makes it ideal for cultivating both Arabica and Robusta coffee. The initiative will initially focus on cultivating Arabica coffee in Boki and Obanliku Local Government Areas due to their favorable highland conditions.

Hon. Ebokpo expressed confidence that the project would boost agricultural productivity, create job opportunities, attract investment in the coffee industry, and establish Cross River as a leading producer of high-quality coffee beans in Nigeria.

“The development of a 30,000-hectare coffee plantation will not only strengthen Cross River’s agricultural economy but also generate employment for thousands, particularly in rural communities. We remain committed to supporting initiatives that promote economic diversification and sustainable growth,” he stated.

The partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria’s coffee industry and positioning Cross River as a key player in the global coffee market.