The Federal Government has warned against sharp practices in cocoa production, saying 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 the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria [CRIN] in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The minister, who was represented by the Southwest Zonal Director of the ministry, Mrs. Olayinka Akeredolu, urged cocoa farmers to embrace thoroughness in cocoa production.
Kyari said: “Our farmers are cutting corners in the area of production of cocoa. 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, where 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.
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In his lecture themed: “Tree Crops Research For Development: Key To Nigeria’s Economic Diversification And Sustainability”, the Vice Chancellor of 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.
“Nigerian Cocoa, for instance, is highly valued in international markets, yet the country’s production lags due to outdated farming practices, poor-quality seedlings, pests and diseases, and limited access to markets,” the VC said.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Budget, Oyeleke Adegbola, congratulated the institute for the milestone.
