Governor Akeredolu distributes high yielding cocoa and cashew seedlings to Ondo farmers

ONDO State's Governor Rotimi Akeredolu has distributed 450,000 high yielding cocoa seedlings and 25,000 Brazilian jumbo cashew seedlings to farmers across the three senatorial districts of the state as part of an aggressive plan to boost agriculture.

Declaring that the state would be returned to its leadership position in the country as the leading producer of cocoa, Governor Akeredolu said his administration would also help farmers to easily access bank loans to ease the stress of finance. Handing out the seedling to farmers at an event held at the Federal College of Agriculture, Akure, Governor Akeredolu noted that the distribution was a partnership initiative between the state and the federal government.

Stressing that agriculture provided unique opportunities, the governor urged local youths to get into farming and return to basics as only it can solve the country's economy problems. Governor Akeredolu said his administration deliberately put in place a programme that would drive the federal government’s Cocoa Rebirth Initiative in the state.

Governor Akeredolu said: “It is our desire that other tree crops like cashews, oil palm, rubber, kolanuts, coconuts etc, will witness similar development in the state. Essentially, our Cocoa Rebirth Initiative is addressing the production and distribution of improved cocoa varieties with early maturity of between 18 and 24 months, high in yield production and tolerant to harsh weather conditions

“I am happy to inform you that these improved varieties are produced from the five seed gardens across the state. We have embarked on the rehabilitation of old and moribund cocoa farms while also venturing into new plantation development and good example is our resolve to establish the 2,000 hectare model cocoa farm at Ijugbere Camp, Ilale via Owo.”

He also disclosed that his administration was embarking on the training of farmers in modern techniques and principles of cocoa production coupled with the use of modern fermentation and sun drying equipment. According to the governor, the government is promoting local consumption of cocoa and chocolate drinks through the sensitisation of the citizenry on the health and wealth benefits of cocoa.

Governor Akeredolu added that it is his view that cocoa and chocolate should be incorporated into the national School Feeding Programme. Akin Olotu, the governor's senior special assistant on agriculture and agri-business, noted that food security was the best security that any government could give to its citizens.

He added: "No amount of rice and millet can make us to compete with Europe and America but our area of strength is largely cash crops, which cocoa is number one and the Akeredolu administration is improving its value chain. We want Ondo State to be the face of cocoa in Africa, so we have to create jobs and wealth through it.” 

Mr Olotu said no fewer than 5,000 modern cocoa farmers will spring up across the state under the governor's plans. He added that the best source of foreign exchange for Nigeria was agriculture, through cocoa and other tree crops.