The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched a new generation of high-yielding cassava varieties as part of efforts to strengthen food security and accelerate agricultural development under the ARISE Agenda.

The improved cassava varieties, unveiled at the Assured Model Farm in Ikot Akpan Essien, Oruk Anam Local Government Area, include Biggy, Baba 70, Renewed Hope and Game Changer.

According to Channels Television, the initiative was organised by Assured Model Farm in partnership 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, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Offiong Offor, said the project demonstrates the state’s commitment to transforming agriculture through improved crop varieties.

Offor explained that while traditional cassava varieties typically produce between five and seven tonnes per hectare, the newly introduced varieties have demonstrated the potential to yield more than 40 tonnes per hectare following successful trials across farms in the state.

He said the improved varieties were developed for different uses, including starch production, fufu and garri processing, and have been well received by farmers.

The commissioner noted that one of the major challenges had been the adoption of improved farming technologies but said farmers are increasingly embracing new varieties after seeing their higher yields and improved dry matter content.

The Chairman of Oruk Anam Local Government Area, Sunday Festus, said Assured Model Farm was established to support large-scale agricultural production and contribute to the state’s food security objectives.

He disclosed that the farm currently cultivates cassava, tomatoes, pepper, okro, watermelon, cucumber and vegetables on 27 hectares of developed farmland from a total land area of more than 100 hectares.

Speaking on the improved cassava varieties, IITA Cassava Breeding Unit team lead, Ukoabasi Ekanam, said they were developed to combine high yields, disease resistance, superior starch content and improved processing qualities.

According to Ekanam, the varieties are designed to increase returns for both farmers and processors by improving the production of garri, fufu and industrial starch.

Representatives of participating farms, including CEMUOA Limited, FarmCrafts, Fresh and Green Farm, and Assured Model Farm, also reported strong results from field trials, describing the varieties as commercially viable.

The event concluded with a tour of the Assured Model Farm and an exhibition of products made from the harvested cassava.