By Simeon Shodimu
As Parts of plan to raise the cocoa economy in the Ekiti State, the Ekiti State Government is targeting 10 million cocoa seedlings over the next 10 years as part of efforts to revive cocoa production and restore the state’s position in Nigeria’s cocoa value chain.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Ebenezer Boluwade, made this known while featuring on a simulcast radio programme, “Ekiti Loni/Ekiti Today’ at the weekend.
He said the government plans to produce one million cocoa seedlings annually within the period.
Boluwade explained that the initiative is aimed at reversing the long decline in cocoa output, which he attributed to ageing plantations that have exceeded their productive lifespan.
According to him, the partnership with the TRACE programme is designed to train and support private cocoa farmers with modern techniques and inputs required to meet production targets.
He stated that the TRACE programme focuses on sustainable cocoa sourcing and improving cocoa quality through expert fermentation processes.
Boluwade further said the programme promotes traceability, environmental protection and ethical production, stressing that cocoa produced under it must not come from deforested areas or involve child labour.
He further noted that as part of the pilot phase of the cocoa rejuvenation scheme, 28 farmers developing cocoa nurseries have received irrigation pumps worth millions of naira to support year-round production of Cocoa seedlings.
The Commissioner said improved, high-yield seedlings are being supplied by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and other institutions to boost productivity and sustainability.
He added that the state government would provide cocoa seedlings and agrochemicals at a 50 per cent subsidy to reduce production costs and encourage farmers’ participation.
Boluwade said the government is also prioritising quality and global competitiveness, with farmers receiving training in cocoa traceability to meet international export standards.
He disclosed that the state is working on plans to leverage the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, supported by the African Development Bank, to enhance value addition and create jobs in cocoa processing.
On weather support, he said the Nigerian Meteorological Agency would provide timely forecasts to guide planting, adding that full rainfall is expected by mid-April.
He explained that distribution of subsidised seedlings would be decentralised to ensure access across the state, with farmers to be informed on how to obtain them.
The improved cocoa varieties, he said, are climate-resilient and can mature within three years, offering quicker returns on investment.
Boluwade expressed optimism that the initiative would boost cocoa production, create jobs and strengthen the state’s economy.
