The government of Abia State has revealed its plans to revive the state-owned cocoa processing industry, aiming to increase the production of this valuable commodity and improve the economic prospects of the region.
The Deputy Governor, Mr. Ikechukwu Emetu recently expressed determination to make the state among leading cocoa producers in Nigeria.
During a meeting with the State Cocoa Transformation Committee in Umuahia, Emetu emphasized that Nigeria is the second-largest exporter of cocoa globally, after Cote D’Ivoire, and therefore the state government intends to leverage the entire value chain in cocoa production and processing.
To achieve this goal, he said, the government will provide financial support and training to cocoa farmers, encouraging them to adopt advanced farming techniques to enhance productivity.
During the meeting, the deputy governor highlighted the significance of cocoa production in terms of food security, nutrition, organic fertilizers, raw materials for industries, and foreign exchange generation.
However, he expressed concern about the leasing of Agbozu Cocoa Estate, a government-owned property in Uzuakoli, Bende Local Government Area.
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Mr. Emetu directed the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture to provide him with the lease agreement for necessary action.
Mr. Okey Ihedioha, the representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, emphasized that Abia State is blessed with cocoa-producing regions, including Ibere community in Ikwuano LGA and Itumbuzo community in Bende LGA.
He expressed optimism that with adequate support and encouragement from the government, cocoa production in the state will witness significant improvement.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. John Kalu, Chairman of the Cocoa Farmers Association in the state, highlighted the room for improvement, as Abia currently ranks eighth among cocoa-producing states.
Kalu urged the government to subsidize input costs, distribute improved cocoa seedlings to farmers, and facilitate mass production and bumper harvests.
Expressing disappointment, Mr. Prince Olaniyi, representative of the Cocoa Institute of Nigeria, voiced his concerns over the leasing of the only government-owned cocoa plantation. He noted that Abia State possesses one of the best cocoa seeds nationwide among the cocoa-producing states.
