By Abdullahi Lukman
The Enugu State government has launched a 20-hectare cocoa plantation in partnership with WhiteRabbit Agro Limited, aiming to boost cocoa production and contribute to the state’s $30 billion GDP target.
The pilot plantation is located in Nkanu East Local Government Area.
The state’s Agriculture Commissioner, Patrick Ubru, announced the initiative on Monday, February 17, stating that the project aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to make Enugu a major cocoa producer and processor.
The state plans to expand the initiative to five other local government areas – Nkanu West, Isi-Uzo, Oji-River, Aninri, and Awgu – due to similar soil and topographical conditions.
The goal is to establish 100-hectare pilot cocoa plantations in each of these areas.
WhiteRabbit Agro Limited is developing 100,000 high-yielding, early-producing cocoa varieties sourced from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), Ibadan.
The nursery is located in Amaechi Idodo, Nkanu East. Ubru highlighted the lucrative nature of cocoa farming, noting that one tonne currently sells for approximately $10,500 (N16.3 million) in the international market.
The commissioner emphasized the project’s potential to create agro-business opportunities for Enugu residents and boost the state’s economy.
He expressed confidence that the state will not only reach but surpass its $30 billion GDP target through these agricultural developments.
Ubru also mentioned ongoing work at the cargo section of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, which, upon completion, will facilitate the export of agricultural produce.
He invited individuals, organizations, and governments to collaborate on the cocoa initiative and other agricultural projects in the state, offering guidance, assistance, extension services, and high-yield seedlings.
