Ekiti State Plans 10 Million Cocoa Seedlings Initiative

The Ekiti State government has unveiled a plan to produce 10 million cocoa seedlings over the next ten years as part of an effort to revive cocoa production and restore the state's position in Nigeria's cocoa value chain. Mr.

Ebenez Boluwad, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, announced this initiative during a radio program, emphasizing the need to reverse the long-term decline in cocoa output due to aging plantations. The program aims to produce one million seedlings annually and will be implemented in collaboration with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture.

The initiative includes training for private cocoa farmers on modern techniques and sustainable practices, ensuring that cocoa production does not involve deforestation or child labor. The government will also provide high-yield seedlings and agrochemicals at a 50% subsidy to reduce production costs.

The program is expected to create jobs and strengthen the state's economy while enhancing the quality of cocoa for international markets.