Nigeria to Achieve 100% Increase in Cocoa Production – Association
The Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) said it has charted a path for Nigeria to achieve 100 per cent increase in cocoa production with 500,000 metric tons target and sustainable practices in its supply chain by 2024.
Speaking during the flagging-off of the free distribution of the Cocoa GAP Handbook in Umuahia, Abia State, the National President of CFAN, Adeola Adegoke, said there was a need to improve the income of smallholder cocoa farmers vis-a-vis their standard of living.
Adegoke informed that the association has partnered with the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI) and the National Assembly on the need for Nigeria to join Cote d’ voire and Ghana in the collection of the $400 Living Income Differential (LID) for smallholder cocoa farmers in Nigeria as a matter of priority.
Also, the association president disclosed the provision of 12,500 seedlings for Abia state cocoa farmers, adding that the association was currently collaborating with stakeholders on how to increase cocoa and forestry practices towards improving transparency across the cocoa supply chain.
On his part, Abia state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, noted that his government, as one that prioritises agriculture, would sustain partnership with the association. Represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Don Ubani, the governor said agriculture is the highest employer and not the government.
Agro Nigeria
