In its bid to bridge the input gap in Cocoa production in Nigeria, the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) has presented certificates to trained Cocoa nursery operators and seed entrepreneurs.
The event was organised in Ibadan on Tuesday by CRIN, in partnership with the Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND).
In his remarks, the Executive Director, CRIN, Dr Patrick Adebola, said that the institute ventured into its maiden training of nursery operators and seed entrepreneurs as a crucial step to meeting the needs of Cocoa farmers and upscaling its production.
“The starting point in Cocoa value chain is having good quality planting materials, which will bring high yield.
“And it would be resistant to pests and diseases, as well as input, which would be early bearing and this would translate into more production of Cocoa in the country.
“The significance of this event is all about helping our farmers to get good planting materials anywhere they need it and as and when due.
“There are about 300,000 Cocoa farmers in Nigeria, but CRIN cannot reach all the farmers at once and provide them with what they need, planting materials.
“This, hence, our partnership with PIND to train the nursery operators and certified them, so that they can complement what CRIN is doing to reach the farmers in the hinterland,” Adebola said.
The CRIN executive director charged the certified nursery operators to utilise the knowledge gained and ensure quality Cocoa seedlings are produced and distributed to farmers.
Also, the Executive Director, PIND, Mr Tunji Idowu, represented by Mr Chuks Ofulue, the Advocacy Manager of the organisation, appreciated CRIN for allowing the organisation to partner with it to proffer solutions to some of the challenges identified in Cocoa production.
Idowu said that having done thorough research and assessment, it was discovered that there were a lot of potential within the Cocoa value chain that could provide jobs, increase revenue and ensure food security.
In their various goodwill messages, Dr Abiodun Adedeji, Director, Cocoa Programme; Dr Moses Ogunlade, Director, Production and Substation and Dr Anna Muyiwa, Head, Crop Improvement; urged the trainees to adhere to CRIN standards and best practices in production seedlings.
Also, Dr Festus Olasupo, a Cocoa Genetics and Breeder, also the Facilitator of the training, said that 40 nursery operators started the journey, but only 14 made it and qualified for the certificates received.
Responding on behalf of the trainees, Mr Emeka Emmanuel, appreciated the organisers for the opportunity which he said had made them, who are roadside nursery operators, to become trained and certified nursery operators.
Emmanuel said they have been adequately equipped to help Cocoa farmers throughout Nigeria to have access to hybrid quality seedlings.
