The Cross River government says it will commence statewide distribution of improved SAMPEA 20-T PBR cowpea seeds to interested farmers beginning on Monday.

Johnson Ebokpo, the commissioner for agriculture and irrigation development, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in Calabar.

Mr Ebokpo said the Institute for Agricultural Research developed the improved variety, which has high genetic purity and resistance to major pod-borer pests.

According to him, SAMPEA 20-T offers early maturity, improved yield performance and reduced dependence on insecticide applications compared with conventional cowpea varieties.

“The intervention is aimed at increasing cowpea production, strengthening food security and improving access to nutritious food, especially among women and children,” he said.

He said the programme would also enhance farmers’ productivity and livelihoods through improved access to quality crop inputs.

The commissioner stated that the distribution would be conducted in collaboration with the state chapters of the Cowpea Farmers Association and Women in Agriculture.

He urged interested farmers to visit their respective local government councils for documentation and collection, stressing that the seeds were strictly for planting, not consumption.

(NAN)