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NIGERIA EXPORT PROMOTION COUNCIL DISTRIBUTES 3RD SERIES OF COCOA HYBRID SEEDLINGS TO ONDO FARMERS
…As CFAN President Adeola Adegoke urges farmers to imbibe agroforestry ecosystem for sustainable cocoa practices
Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa (COFAAA) and Cocos Farmers Association of Nigaria (CFAN) have jointly predicted that the Nigeria cocoa production will increase by an additional 10% in the next two years due to the 3rd seedlings distribution carried out by the Nigeria Export Promotion Council.
The distribution process was led by the Executive Director & CEO, Mrs Norye Ayeni through the State office of the agency under the management of Mrs Abe lyabode.
This consistent landmark support marked the third time this year NEPC, Ondo State office will be taking these strategic steps to increase the cocoa production, productivity and export values as a leading cocoa producing States in Nigeria by giving these seedlings to numerous cocoa farmers that cut across the cocoa producing local government areas in the State.
The third hybrid cocca seedlings free distribution was carried out at the association’s office popularly called Cocoa House Akure the Ondo State capital.
The event was attended by Comrade Adeola Adegoke, Global COFAAA and CFAN President, State Chairman of COFAAA, Alfa Musa Tiamiyu, State Chairman of CFAN, Mr. Dongo Sunday; Mrs Abe lyalode of National Export Promotion Council; Ondo State Coordinator and her team, Mrs Ayanlowo; State Ministry of Agriculture described the efforts as a determination to boost Cocoa production in Nigeria.
In her words, “the Nigerian Export Promotion Council is committed to supporting increase in export volume and export value of Cocoa bean derivatives”.
“The distribution of hybrid seedlings to Cocoa farmers is crucial step towards increasing production capacity for export”.
According to her, “this initiative is designed to provide farmers with high breed Cocoa seedling improved yields and enhance overall competitiveness of Nigeria’s Cocoa industry, this is the third series distribution of cocoa seedlings to our farmers for this year’s planting period”.
The distribution of the seedlings cuts across various local government areas in Ondo state.
The National Export Promotion Council boss emphasized that the Akure office is empowering Cocoa farmers by providing the seedlings which is aimed to increase Cocoa production to double the nation’s export performance in 2025.
She stated that over five billion export data was captured for 2024 and over two billion is for Cocoa derivatives in the Nation as the “Double Your Export” mantra of the Council is to sensitize its key players in the sector to increase their production capacity for export business.
She expressed the hole that the technical training carried out will equip cocoa farmers with adequate knowledge on Cocoa farming”.
“I urge all farmers to take full advantage of this opportunity. Let us work together to ensure these seedlings being distributed would contribute to a bountiful harvest”.
“I have no doubt that with the right support and resources, our Cocoa farmers will excel and make significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic growth and development”.
“NEPC goal is to increase the State production from the presents 90,000 MTS to 150,000 MTS in the next two years while contributing to the national target of 500,000MTS next two years”.
In his remarks, the Global President of Cocoa Farmers Alliance Association of Africa, Comrade Adeola Adegoke commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the approval of resuscitation of the Cocoa Board without involvement in cocoa buying and selling which reaffirmed the present administration’s commitment to increase Nigeria’s cocoa production and productivity.
Adegoke who also doubles as the President of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria urged cocoa farmers in Nigena and Africa to always imbibe cocoa agroforestry ecosystem for sustainable cocoa practices when transplanting their seedlings in order to protect production in the continent.
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