The Federal Government has launched the distribution of one million improved hybrid cocoa seedlings as part of efforts to revive Nigeria’s cocoa industry, increase farmers’ incomes, boost export earnings and create employment opportunities.
The initiative, flagged off at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State, is under the National Cocoa Development Plan and the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, said the improved seedlings are high-yielding, early maturing, climate-resilient and disease-resistant. He noted that they will be used to rehabilitate ageing cocoa plantations and establish new commercial farms, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global cocoa market.
The Minister explained that the programme also includes extension support for farmers, expansion of local cocoa processing, improved access to markets and the introduction of traceability systems to ensure compliance with international standards, including the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, described the initiative as a strategic investment aimed at improving productivity, increasing farmers’ incomes, generating employment and enhancing Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings. He urged farmers to adopt recommended agronomic practices to maximise the benefits of the improved seedlings.
The highlight of the event was the distribution of the improved cocoa seedlings to farmers from the country’s 14 cocoa-producing states, with beneficiaries expressing commitment to using the planting materials to increase production and improve their livelihoods.
