Dutch envoy supports small holder farmers in Cross River to boost oil palm cultivation
The Kingdom of Netherlands Consulate General to Nigeria, His Excellency Mitchel Deelen has endorsed partnership with the Cross River State Government to transform small-holder farmers to Agro-Business men and women to boost oil palm cultivation in the state.
He averred when he paid a courtesy call to Governor of Cross River State Governor Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu in Calabar on Tuesday that Solidaridad, a regional, expertise centre, in West Africa office in Accra, Ghana with country office in Enugu having 50 years of operation through National Initiatives for sustainable and Climate Smart Oil Palm Small-Holder (NISCOPS) in West Africa by The Kingdom of Netherlands is promoting Palm Oil production by supporting small-hoders and SME’s in the West Africa Region through funding by His Country.
The Governor appreciated the Kingdom of Netherlands gesture and promised to synergies with them to foster Agro-Business in the state to curb unemployment and enhance sustainable food sufficiency in the state by providing a conducive environment to operate business through his administration’s People First Mantra.
Dignitaries at the visit include Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Anthony Owan Enoh, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, Hon. Johnson Ebokpo, Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang among other members of the State Executive Council.
Deelen thereafter visited Wilmar Plantation Headquarters, Mbarakom, Akamkpa Local Government Area and Small-Holders Oil Palm Nursery in Betem, Biase Local Government Area to see development in the National Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) sprouted nuts seedlings where the community facilitator for Betem Oil Palm Nursery Scheme, Mr. Experience Omini thanked the Dutch Envoy for Solidaridad support to Small-Holder Oil Palm Farmers in the community which is celebrating success of the First Cycle activity on Wednesday June 28, 2025.
By: Archibong Emmanuel
(Snr. Reporter)
