The Cross River State Government, in partnership with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), has concluded a statewide Train-the-Trainer programme on modern seed yam production, equipping more than 400 participants across the state with the technical knowledge required to improve planting material quality and scale productivity.
The week-long training, coordinated by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development, was implemented across the three senatorial districts, beginning in Calabar for the Southern axis, moving to Ikom for the Central district, and concluding in Ogoja for the Northern region. The phased structure ensured broad participation from key actors within the yam value chain, including extension officers, supervisors, directors of agriculture, and representatives from various local government areas.
The programme focused on strengthening capacity in seed yam production technologies, with emphasis on the yam minisett technique (YMT), a method that allows farmers to multiply seed yam efficiently by cutting tubers into smaller treated portions. Participants were also trained on agronomic best practices such as land preparation, spacing, mulching, weed control, soil fertility management, and post-harvest storage systems aimed at improving yield quality and reducing losses.
In addition to conventional methods, the training introduced participants to improved propagation technologies, including tissue culture, semi-autotrophic hydroponics (SAH), vine cutting, and advanced minisett multiplication systems. These approaches are expected to address long-standing inefficiencies in seed yam availability while promoting uniformity and disease-free planting materials.
Speaking at the closing session in Ogoja, Chairman of the Implementation Committee and Director of Finance and Supply at the Ministry, Dr. Nicholas Obun Dan, described the training as a critical intervention in repositioning yam production within the state. He commended participants for their commitment throughout the sessions and charged them to cascade the knowledge acquired to farmers at the grassroots level.
“This programme is designed to ensure that the knowledge gained here does not end in this hall but reaches the farmers in your various communities. You are expected to serve as multipliers of this innovation,” he said.
Dr. Dan reiterated the commitment of the Cross River State Government under Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu to transition yam production from subsistence farming to a commercially viable enterprise. According to him, the initiative directly addresses the persistent challenge of limited access to quality seed yam, which has historically constrained productivity across the state.
He disclosed that the government has already procured improved yam seedlings from IITA, which have been delivered to the Ministry, with distribution currently ongoing to support immediate adoption by farmers.
Beyond seed systems, Dr. Dan highlighted additional interventions introduced by the state government to strengthen agricultural productivity. These include the procurement of 108 mini tractors to ease land preparation and promote mechanisation. He encouraged participants to organise themselves into cooperative societies to access the tractor acquisition scheme or benefit from the Ministry’s tractor hiring services.
“We are not only focusing on seeds but also ensuring that farmers have access to the tools required to scale production. Mechanisation is key, and we are making deliberate efforts to support that,” he added, noting that adequate budgetary provisions have been made to sustain these initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of Ogoja Local Government Council, Hon. Chris Agbeh, described the training as timely, noting that it aligns with ongoing efforts to strengthen agricultural productivity within the area. He assured that the local government would support the implementation of step-down training for farmers and hinted at plans to explore value addition opportunities, including processing and packaging of yam products.
“This initiative is not only about production but also about creating opportunities along the value chain. We will ensure that farmers in this locality benefit fully from what has been achieved here,” he said.
From the technical side, the Chief Trainer from IITA, Dr. Pelemo Olugboyega, reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to supporting the state’s agricultural transformation agenda. He disclosed that IITA is ready to assist in establishing a functional seed yam multiplication centre in Cross River, which would serve as a hub for continuous research, training, and dissemination of improved technologies.
According to him, the long-term goal is to institutionalise best practices and create a sustainable system where farmers can access high-quality planting materials locally without relying on external sources.
“We are looking at building a system that is sustainable. A seed yam multiplication centre will provide a platform for continuous learning, innovation, and access to certified planting materials,” he said.
He further noted that, following the training, participants are expected to form community-based seed producer groups, register with relevant regulatory bodies, and establish linkages with seed companies to improve market access and strengthen the overall value chain.
Participants at the training expressed optimism about the potential impact of the programme. Moses Arembang, a farmer from the Central Senatorial District, said the training has provided practical insights that will significantly improve his farming operations. Esther Ella, representing the Dazzle Women and Youths Empowerment Initiative, also outlined plans to expand into seed yam production while organising step-down training sessions for women and youths within her network.
She added that her group intends to establish a demonstration farm to serve as a learning centre for other aspiring farmers in the community.
The State Chairman of the Yam Farmers Association, Mr. Peter Egorp, used the opportunity to encourage farmers who are yet to join the association to do so, noting that collective action is essential for strengthening the value chain. He commended the state government for the initiative and disclosed plans to expand the association’s structure through the election of ward executives across the state.
According to him, the training will reduce the dependence on neighbouring states for seed yam, a challenge that has often exposed farmers to higher costs and risks associated with inconsistent seed quality.
With the completion of the programme, the Ministry is finalising modalities for the distribution of different varieties of yam and water yam seeds procured by the government. Plans are also underway to introduce traceability measures and certification processes for trained participants, ensuring that seed yam production within the state meets established quality standards.
The training featured practical field demonstrations facilitated by IITA experts and technical directors from the Ministry, including the Director of Extension, Elder Ubi Obeten; Director of Agricultural Services, Mr. Ubi Ubana; Director of Public-Private and Development Partnership, Mr. Simon Ayim; Director of Soil Management, Mr. Brian Ugbe; and Head of Value Chain Development, Mrs. Maryann Ogar.
Nigeria Startup News reports that the initiative signals a coordinated effort to position Cross River as a major hub for seed yam production in Nigeria, while advancing food security and creating new economic opportunities within the agricultural sector.
