The Cross River State Government has launched a statewide initiative to reduce crop losses for cowpea farmers by distributing improved, pest-resistant seeds. The program aims to boost agricultural productivity and strengthen food security across the region.
Johnson Ebokpo, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, announced the move in a statement released to the press in Calabar. He confirmed that the distribution of SAMPEA 20-T PBR cowpea seeds will commence on Monday, September 21, 2026, targeting interested farmers throughout the state.
The SAMPEA 20-T variety was developed by the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) and is characterized by high genetic purity. According to Ebokpo, the seeds offer proven resistance to Maruca vitrata, a major pod-borer pest that has historically devastated cowpea farms across Nigeria. The variety is also described as early maturing and high-yielding, requiring less insecticide application than conventional susceptible varieties, which in turn reduces costs and increases returns for growers.
“The intervention is aimed at increasing cowpea production, strengthening food security and improving access to nutritious food, particularly for women and children, while enhancing farmers’ productivity and livelihoods,” Ebokpo stated.
The distribution exercise will be conducted in collaboration with the State Chapters of the Cowpea Farmers Association and Women in Agriculture (WIA). The Ministry has directed farmers to proceed to their respective Local Government Councils to complete documentation and collect the improved seeds.
Authorities have emphasized that farmers must adhere strictly to the designated collection arrangements. The Ministry further warned that the seeds are intended solely for planting purposes and are not for human consumption.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
