ONDO TARGETS 250,000 METRIC TONS OF COCOA ANNUALLY
The Ondo State Government is committed to providing the necessary support to farmers and investors to ensure the state maintains its position as the highest producer of cocoa in Nigeria and achieves enhanced quality, quantity, and premium price in the international market.
Leading the newly constituted board on a familiarization visit to cocoa farmers and investors operating at the Oda Cocoa Farm, the Chairman of the Ondo State Cocoa Revolution and Management Board, Mr. Omolade Fabiyi, said some states are working hard to displace Ondo State as the highest producer of cocoa in Nigeria.
He stressed that the State Governor, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, constituted the board to manage the entire cocoa value chain in the state, from production to value addition, to ensure Ondo remains at the top of the cocoa chart.
Mr. Fabiyi stated that the state would soon be producing 250,000 metric tons of cocoa annually, because the calibre of board members and professionals working in the Cocoa Board would leave no stone unturned to achieve this target.
The Chairman disclosed to the farmers that plans are at an advanced stage to site cocoa nurseries within the farm, and that cocoa seedlings would be given to farmers free of charge, adding that the gesture was aimed at revamping old plantations for optimal yield.
He emphasized the need for farmers to clear bushes in their plantations regularly to maintain the plantations for better yield.
He told one of the investors, John-Vent, that henceforth, cocoa beans must be graded before they are moved to their warehouse, noting that management would no longer allow ungraded cocoa to leave the Oda Cocoa Farm.
The Chairman assured the farmers that their challenges would be addressed now that the board is in place, and urged farmers and investors in the Oda cocoa estate to cooperate with the board to put the facility to maximum use for the benefit of the state.
Speaking earlier, the Administrative Secretary of the Board, Mr. Anthony Omolakin, said there are three investors currently operating on the farm: Blue World Farms, Uncle D Farms and John-Vent.
Mr. Omolakin officially introduced members of the board to the farmers and investors, saying members of the board and officials are saddled with the responsibility of overseeing all activities in the cocoa value chain, from production to value addition and quality control. He urged stakeholders to cooperate with the management to achieve its mandate of ensuring Ondo State remains the reference point for cocoa trade in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, the Chairman of the Farmers Association, Mr. Victor Ajisegiri, expressed gratitude to the Governor, His Excellency, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, for inaugurating the board to pilot the affairs of the cocoa sector, adding that this would create a direct link to the government.
He lamented that they had faced a lot of challenges in the past because there was no board in place to channel their complaints to, stressing that with the coming of the board, farmers can now feel relieved.
The farmers’ leader, therefore, called on the board members to look into their dilapidated buildings which need renovation, and promised that they would cooperate with the government to achieve the set goals.
According to a statement signed by the Head of Media in the ministry, Sola Omoboyowa, on the trip were board members, Dr. Jibayo Oyebade, Mr. Omolade Franklin, Mr. Temitope Oni and the director in charge of the Oda Cocoa Farm, Mr. Vincent Shaba.
