The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched a new generation of high-yielding, high-starch cassava varieties as part of efforts to strengthen food security and advance the agricultural component of the ARISE Agenda.
The unveiling ceremony took place at the Assured Model Farm in Ikot Akpan Essien, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, where improved cassava varieties such as “Biggy,” “Baba 70,” “Renewed Hope” and “Game Changer” were introduced to farmers and stakeholders.
The initiative was carried out in collaboration with the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), and the National Root Crops Research Institute (NRCRI).
Representing Governor Umo Eno at the event, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Offiong Offor, described the initiative as a practical demonstration of the state’s commitment to agricultural transformation.
He said the new cassava varieties represent a significant improvement over traditional strains, which typically yield between five and seven tons per hectare.
According to him, the improved varieties have demonstrated the potential to produce over 40 tons per hectare under trial conditions.
“Revolution means a change, and we have been used to varieties of cassava that give us five to seven tons per hectare,” he said.
“But with what IITA has introduced and the trial has been done in a short farm, several other farms across the states, we are now seeing varieties that will give us up to over 40 tons per hectare.”
He added that the cassava strains were designed for multiple uses, including starch production, garri, fufu and other industrial applications, which could significantly increase farmers’ income.
The commissioner noted that farmers’ adoption levels had previously been a major challenge but said growing awareness of improved agricultural technologies is helping to change perceptions.
The Executive Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Sunday Festus, said the Assured Model Farm was established to promote large-scale farming and enhance food security in the state.
He explained that the facility currently cultivates cassava alongside crops such as tomatoes, pepper, okro, watermelon, cucumber and vegetables across 27 hectares of developed farmland, with more than 100 hectares available.
A team lead from the Cassava Breeding Unit at IITA, Ukoabasi Ekanam, said the new varieties were developed to combine high yields, disease resistance and improved starch quality suitable for both local consumption and industrial processing.
He noted that the goal is to improve productivity and increase returns for farmers and agro-processors across the value chain.
Representatives of participating farms, including CEMUOA Limited, FarmCrafts, Fresh and Green Farm, and Assured Model Farm, confirmed that field trials had produced strong yields and demonstrated commercial viability.
The event also featured a tour of the farm and a presentation of cassava-based products derived from the improved varieties.
The state government said the initiative is part of its broader strategy to modernise agriculture, reduce food insecurity and create economic opportunities for farmers across Akwa Ibom.
