The Federal Government (FG), through the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS), has advised cocoa farmers to shun unethical practices in cocoa production leading to avoidable losses.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, gave the advice in Ibadan on Monday during the 60th anniversary of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN).
Kyari, represented by FMAFS South-West Zonal Director, Mrs Olayinka Akeredolu, observed that cocoa farmers cut corners by rushing cocoa’s processing and production stages.
“When cocoa is exported internationally, they are tested and these sharp practices, which our people have done, are discovered.
“The implication of this may be the rejection of our product and when they are rejected, it is a big loss to farmers, investors and Nigeria in general,” he said.
Kyari said the FG would prefer things be done properly to enable farmers to gain from the efforts invested in producing the commodity.
The minister urged cocoa farmers to seek counsel and interact with research institutes and extension agents whenever they have problems.
The minister further urged the farmers to add value to their production to enjoy better income and gain from their efforts.
“I will encourage them to continue to plant new cocoa when the ones they have are getting old; we have improved varieties in our research institute, which they can purchase and plant.
“They need to adopt technology in the improvement of their production,” he said.
He commended CRIN for its tremendous contribution and improvement over the years in developing its mandate crops, which include cocoa, kola, cashew, coffee, tea and plant plum.
“The FG felicitate with you on your 60th anniversary and encourage you to continue to do more to attain fulfilment of your mandate and contribution to the GDP of the country,” he said.
Earlier, the CRIN Executive Director, Prof. Patrick Adebola, commended the FG as well as the staff of the institute for their support and commitment.
Adebola reaffirmed the institute’s commitment to leading the change in agriculture innovation, leveraging science and technology to enhance productivity and improve farmers’ livelihood in Nigeria.
(NAN)
