KWSG Flags Off Distribution Of 10,000 Improved Cocoa Seedlings
Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government has flagged off the distribution of 10,000 improved cocoa seedlings to farmers across the State’s cocoa-producing Local Government Areas.
The seedlings, allocated to Kwara State by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), are improved planting materials capable of producing their first fruits within 18 months, making them suitable for establishing new cocoa farms and replacing ageing or less productive trees.
The Supervising Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mrs Oloruntoyosi Thomas, flagged-off the distribution at an inauguration ceremony, held in Owa Kajola, Isin Local Government Area.
Mrs Thomas, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Funke Sokoya, reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to providing cocoa farmers with quality planting materials.
She urged beneficiaries to adopt recommended agronomic practices and give the young plants proper care to ensure healthy growth and good yields, emphasizing that the success of the intervention would depend on how well the seedlings are managed after planting.
She said the initiative was in line with the administration Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq ‘s commitment to agricultural development and the State’s 10-Year Agricultural Transformation Plan, which provides a framework for strengthening crop production, market access and value-chain development.
The Commissioner further assured farmers that the State Government would continue to work with relevant institutions and farmer associations to address the needs of the cocoa sector.
In her remarks, the Chairman of the Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kwara State Chapter, Mrs. Maccarthy Funmilayo Omoyemisi, commended the State Government for the initiative and called for sustained cooperation between government and farmer associations to further develop the cocoa sector.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Cocoa Industry Farmers Association of Nigeria (CIFAN), Kwara State Chapter, Mr. Oloyede Ezekiel, appreciated the State Government for the support, describing the distribution as timely for cocoa farmers.
He said the improved seedlings would help farmers renew their plantations and establish healthier trees, laying a stronger foundation for future harvests.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Abolaji Kareem expressed appreciation to the Kwara State Government and CRIN for the seedlings, saying the intervention would help farmers improve their farms and strengthen their livelihoods.
The event was attended by cocoa farmers from across the State’s cocoa-producing Local Government Areas, members of the Kwara State Chapters of CAN and CIFAN, and other stakeholders in the cocoa value chain.
Also on the Commissioner’s delegation were the Director of Agricultural Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hajia Hafsat Hussein, and the Deputy Director of Agricultural Services, Mr. Aliyu Mohammed among others.
