An expert in cocoa growing business Mr Tajudeen Kayode has advocated for the procurement of good quality beans and better yield for farmers in Nigeria to ensure sustainability.
This is just as he commended Ondo State Government for working in compliance with the international standard of quality cocoa parameters,through its cocoa revolution project and the government’s assistance to farmers and other stakeholders in cocoa production.
Kayode, Head of operations, Subjugate Cocoa declared this during the training of Farm Service Providers (FSP) and Internal Monitoring System (IMS) Officers in the state.
The training held in Akure was organised by the Subjugate Cocoa Nigeria Ltd in collaboration with the Ondo state Government where Participants are expected to train cocoa farmers and other stakeholders in the state.
During the training, the facilitators took participants through practical aspect by showcasing compliance with international standard, proper documentation of the processes, how to adequately follow-up,among others.
The facilitators stressed the need to follow parameters and procedures in procurement of quality cocoa through proper testing.
It was advocated that farmers must ensure cocoa is properly fermented before drying,do best pods selection among other standard practice for the good image of cocoa in Nigeria.
He stressed the need to set standard in terms of quality yield to ensure farmers get it right.
Declaring the program open, Secretary, Ondo State Cocoa Revolution Agency, Mr Toba Adenowuro informed that the training is to ensure production of high yield and quality cocoa beans in the state.
According to him, poor quality cocoa has been a major problem of getting better results in Nigeria, hence the need to ensure increase productivity,not just in quantity but in quality.
While noting that overtime, it has been reported that Nigeria cocoa is being rejected in the International market due to bad quality which is demeaning to the nation, he therefore said it must be addressed as a state which is known as no one producing state.
Adenowuro informed that the experts being trained are expected to go to the field to train and guide farmers on best way to produce quality cocoa,saying that most of the problems in the system are man made that need to be changed.
The state government has done a lot to ensure high and quality production of cocoa through various programmes which include, distribution of free cocoa seedling to farmers, establishment of 8,000 hecters cocoa plantation, among others.
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