Plans are underway for the Cross Rivers state government to secure a N1.1 billion credit line from the federal government to boost agriculture sector in the state.

Governor Liyel Imoke, who announced this recently in Calabar during a meeting with media professionals, said out of the N1.1 billion, about N100 million would be set aside to subsidize fertilizers for farmers.

The governor said the state government would also provide access roads and electricity to the farming communities to support the expected increase in their agriculture produce.

Imoke said his administration intended to build six additional one-stop agricultural extension facilities including fertilizer stores. "This is with a view to meeting the target of creating one facility in every local government area.

The Cross River State Agricultural and Rural Empowerment Scheme (CARES) project, which seeks to empower the youths and women in agriculture would be re-structured and re-organized. "This scheme will be expanded to include the cultivation of cassava and maize," he said.

Imoke further said the government would continue to encourage the development of agriculture and agro-based business in the state. "We have put in place an agricultural programme, which will address all the components of the value chain. We are aiming at a market oriented, commercialized, competitive and dynamic agricultural sector anchored on sustainable development," he said.