FG Distributes One Million Cocoa Seedlings to Farmers

The Federal Government of Nigeria has initiated the distribution of one million climate-smart cocoa seedlings as part of efforts to revive the cocoa industry in the country. This initiative was launched at the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan, Oyo State, under the National Cocoa Development Plan.

Senator Abubakar Kyari, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, emphasized that the improved seedlings are designed for high yield, early maturity, climate resilience, and disease resistance. The program will also rehabilitate aging cocoa plantations and establish new commercial farms, thereby strengthening Nigeria's position in the global cocoa market.

The initiative includes extensive support for farmers, enhancing local cocoa processing, improving market access, and introducing a traceability system to ensure compliance with international standards, including the European Union's deforestation regulations. Dr. Marcus Ogunbiyi, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, described the initiative as a strategic investment aimed at improving productivity, increasing farmer income, generating employment, and enhancing Nigeria's foreign exchange earnings.