As part of efforts to reposition Nigeria’s cocoa industry for greater productivity and global competitiveness, the Federal Government has commenced the distribution of one million improved hybrid cocoa seedlings to farmers across the country.
The initiative, launched at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Oyo State, forms part of the National Cocoa Development Plan aimed at revitalising the sector, improving farmers’ incomes, increasing export earnings, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening the nation’s agricultural economy.
Speaking during the launch, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, described the exercise as a strategic intervention designed to restore the fortunes of Nigeria’s cocoa industry and unlock its economic potential.
According to him, the programme goes beyond the supply of planting materials as it represents a comprehensive effort to improve cocoa production, enhance the welfare of farmers, and position Nigeria among the world’s leading cocoa producing countries.
Kyari observed that despite Nigeria’s favourable climate, experienced farmers, strong research institutions, and expanding private sector participation, cocoa production has continued to fall below its potential.
He identified ageing plantations, low productivity, inadequate investment, limited access to improved seedlings, climate related challenges, and poor value addition as major factors responsible for the decline in the country’s competitiveness in the international cocoa market.
The minister explained that the Federal Government is addressing these challenges through policies focused on improving productivity, expanding access to finance, strengthening research and extension services, promoting sustainable farming practices, increasing market access, and encouraging local processing.
He noted that the improved cocoa seedlings developed by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria were selected for their high yield potential, early maturity, resistance to diseases, and ability to withstand changing climatic conditions.
The seedlings, he added, will be used to replace old plantations while also supporting the establishment of new commercial cocoa farms nationwide.
Kyari further disclosed that the government would complement the distribution with extension services to help farmers adopt modern farming techniques capable of increasing yields.
He also said efforts were underway to expand domestic cocoa processing in order to increase the production of value added products instead of relying mainly on the export of raw cocoa beans.
He encouraged beneficiaries to make effective use of the improved seedlings by working closely with agricultural extension officers and adopting recommended farming practices that would guarantee higher productivity and sustainable production.
Also speaking at the event, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, represented by the Ajiroba of Ibadan, Professor Soji Adejumo, reaffirmed the commitment of Ibadan communities to supporting the agricultural programmes of President Bola Tinubu’s administration aimed at improving the welfare of farmers.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, cocoa farmer Alaba Adegoke expressed appreciation to the Federal Government and assured that farmers would utilise the improved seedlings responsibly to increase cocoa production and improve their economic wellbeing.
