Cross River empowers 135 schools with improved farming tools

By Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

The Cross River State Government has commenced the distribution of improved variety seedlings and herbicides to 135 schools across the three educational zones in the state.

Items distributed include maize, pumpkin, cassava, melon, and others, with the emphasis that a lot can be achieved with the cultivation of these improved seedlings.

Distributing the farming tools in Calabar, the State Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, said the tools will help the schools revive practical agriculture, which is currently dormant in schools.

Asuquo Amaku, the Chairman of the Committee of Young Farmers, who represented the commissioner, disclosed that with the farm inputs, school authorities can reintroduce practical agriculture, contribute their quota, and boost food productivity.

“This is another way to complement the efforts of the state governor, who is determined to intensify the fight against hunger and starvation.

“We are giving the seedlings to agric teachers and school principals so that they can use the inputs to teach students how to increase food production,” he said.

Also speaking, the Principal of NYSC Secondary School, Calabar, who doubles as the State Chairman of the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), Etim Nsa, said the seedlings will help in the revival of practical agriculture in public schools.