Governor Bassey Otu has called on the Netherlands to invest in the state’s agriculture sector, particularly in oil palm processing and technology transfer.

Mr Otu said this in Calabar when Michel Deelen, the consul general of the Netherlands in Lagos, visited him.

The governor, who described the visit as a step towards expanding mutually beneficial partnerships, reiterated his administration’s commitment to transforming the agriculture sector.

“Cross River is abundantly endowed with arable land and a favourable climate that supports year-round agriculture. Agriculture is our best foot forward in recalibrating our economy. Our policies are also tailored towards supporting both smallholder and large-scale farmers.

“We welcome direct Dutch investments across the value chain of our oil palm industry. Our state is not only secure and investor-friendly; it offers high returns on investments,” he explained.

Mr Otu said that his administration had implemented bold reforms in the agriculture sector to ensure improved people’s welfare and economic stability.

“We have established a seven-year strategic cocoa and coffee development plan. We have also established six new cocoa estates,” he said.

He further stated that Cross River had established free agronomic training and processing hubs across viable zones and conducted advanced digital soil mapping and database surveys.

“This has allowed investors to remotely identify suitable farmlands through soil type and location. Under the state’s Legacy Assets Reclamation Policy, the government has repossessed 8,500 hectares of previously mismanaged oil palm estates.

“These estates were handed over to a private firm, Wilmar Industries Limited, for rehabilitation and productive use,” he said.

Mr Deelen commended the state government’s strong stance against illegal logging, describing Cross River as one of the most beautiful states in Nigeria.

He praised the clean and green environment around Calabar municipality and expressed delight in the constructive engagements with state officials.

“Illegal logging benefits no one but a few individuals, and we support your firm position against it.

“However, we must also support communities and smallholder farmers who wish to expand production. That is why we are here to assist in increasing yield without expanding farmlands,” he said.

He restated the Netherlands’ focus on sustainable palm oil production through better seedlings, improved milling technology, and partnerships that would protect forests while boosting income for local farmers.

He said that the country’s position was not to impose restrictions but to collaborate in protecting global biodiversity.

(NAN)