Calabar — Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State yesterday said N1 billion is being disbursed by his government to farmers and other food processors in the state.

He said the disbursement is done under the Central Bank of Nigeria Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme.

Imoke said his government recognises the importance of strengthening the agricultural support system to substantially increase agricultural produce and exploit value addition, adding that in 2013, the state government will invest in the state production capacity of livestock and fisheries.

The governor said the Cross River Agricultural and Rural Empowerment Scheme (CARES) will be responsible for forming and managing the out-growers and small holder's scheme for the big commercial farms in the state.

He said in 2013, the integrated world class centre for agric business and entrepreneurship being developed in Abi Local Government Area of the state in partnership with Songhai Regional Centre in Port Novo, Benin Republic will be completed, and that the centre will contribute to the state efforts at transforming the agricultural sector.