Urges farmers to plant new cocoa varieties, embrace tech
The Federal Government has warned against sharp practices in cocoa production, noting that it will lead to losses and rejection in the international market.

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, gave the warning while speaking at the 60th anniversary of Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Kyari, represented by the Southwest Zonal Director of the ministry, Mrs. Olayinka Akeredolu, urged cocoa farmers to embrace thoroughness in cocoa production.

He said: “Our farmers are cutting corners in the area of cocoa production. When they harvest cocoa, they are supposed to allow it to mature. They are supposed to keep the processing of cocoa, but they are trying to be sharp to make it faster and in the process we are not getting what we are supposed to get. When this cocoa is taken internationally and they test it, they are able to discover the sharp practices, which our people have done.

“This practice may lead to a rejection of our products. So, we don’t want our products to go international and be rejected. When it is rejected, it is a big loss to the farmer, investors, and the nation at large. So, we want things to be done properly.’ ’

The minister also urged cocoa farmers to plant new varieties of seedlings and embrace new technology in their occupation.

He said: “I’m encouraging farmers that we need to continue to plant cocoa. When the cocoa is getting old, we have to plant new ones. And we have improved variety in our research station here, which they can purchase and plant new varieties. And also, they need to employ technology to improve their production.”

In his remarks, the Executive Director of CRIN, Dr Patrick Adebola, said the institute’s mission was to harness science and technology to enhance productivity, improve crop quality, and promote value addition for the mandate crops, while disseminating research findings through extension services and capacity building.

Adebola said: ’’As we celebrate this diamond, we also affirm that we will continue to lead the charge in agricultural innovation, leveraging science and technology to enhance productivity, promote sustainability, and improve the livelihoods of farmers nationwide, even greater achievements in the decades to come….”

In his lecture themed: “Tree Crops Research For Development: Key To Nigeria’s Economic Diversification And Sustainability,” the Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, Osogbo, Osun State, Odunayo Adebooye, said one of the major appeals of investing in tree crop research for development is its potential to diversify Nigeria’s economy.

Represented by Prof. Chike Nwoke, Adebooye said tree crops are high-value commodities with growing global demand, particularly in the case of cocoa, oil palm, and cashew nuts.