EKSG urges cocoa farmers to participate actively in cocoa policy formulation

Ekiti State Government (EKSG)  has advised Cocoa farmers to participate actively in policy formulation to upgrade cocoa farming in the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, gave the charge at a meeting with groups of cocoa farmers and other stakeholders in Ado- Ekiti on Sunday.

Boluwade, stated that active participation of the groups in government policy formulation would assist cocoa value chain in Nigeria as well as Ghana and Cote D’Ivoire.

He said the State Government Reserves could be used for the planting of modern seedlings and irrigation during the dry season.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Trade and Investments, Mrs. Tayo Adeola, who affirmed that Ekiti State was one of the highest producers of the commodity in the South/West region, stressed that the story had eroded, hence, the need to revive the sector to create wealth.

Earlier, the Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (ALFAN), Mr Adebola Alagbada, on behalf of other cocoa farmers and stakeholders, listed some challenges facing cocoa farming in the state.

He said the challenges included climate change, indiscriminate bush burning, urbanisation and land tenure system.

Alagbada added that government policies, Old Tree Stock, shortage of staff in the Tree Crops and Produce Departments, pest and diseases were also part of the challenges.

He said solutions to some of the issues included government support to cocoa farmers, irrigation facilities, timely intervention, distribution of improved seedlings and agro chemicals.

Representatives of different Cocoa Farmers Associations such as Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) and Cocoa Growers Association of Nigeria (COGAN), attended the meeting.