The Cross River State government has commenced the distribution of subsidised Arabica and Robusta coffee seedlings to farmers across the state.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Johnson Ebokpo.

He said the initiative aimed to boost coffee production and improve livelihoods in rural communities.

Mr Ebokpo directed farmers who had been profiled and made payments to visit their respective local government council offices with proof of payment to collect their seedlings.

According to him, Arabica seedlings for farmers in Eastern Boki are available at Okwabang village through designated agricultural officers, while those in Obudu should collect theirs at the Agricultural Development Programme (ADP) office.

“To ensure proper planting and increased productivity, trained extension officers at local government agriculture departments and ADP offices are available to guide farmers on planting and maintenance,” he stated.

Mr Ebokpo advised farmers to transplant the seedlings immediately after collection for best results.

He also urged interested farmers who had not yet been profiled to visit the ministry’s headquarters in Calabar or their local agric offices for documentation and inclusion in the programme.

(NAN)