The current loss of Nigeria on the radar of Cocoa producing countries upturned by ongoing activities in South-South Nigeria following new target set by the Cross River state government in targeting 500,000 MT cocoa annually.
The new idea is powered by the government’s drive in Cocoa farming with the free distribution of hybrid cocoa seedlings to farmers in the state.
Government is upbeat that the effort will among others, provide jobs and further boost production and increase its annual production to about 500,000 metric tons.
According to the Cross River state Commissioner for Agriculture, Anthony Eneji, who spoke during the flag-off ceremony of the distribution of cocoa seedlings to farmers in Ikom Local Government area of the state, “The state is set to boost its production and to become Nigeria’s largest cocoa producing state”.
He recalled that “Currently the state produces 70,000 and 75,000 metric tons as it targets to increase its production to 500,000 metric tons per annum.
Eneji also stated that the state which is currently Nigeria’s second largest cocoa producing state is set to establish a 10 hectares seed gardening of the crop to ensure the continuous planting of new trees in the state.
The Commissioner averred that Cross River is serious about the cultivation of cocoa because of its enormous potential, he stressed that the state government is ready to assist any individual interested in establishing cocoa farm through easy land acquisition and other enabling facilities.
