100 Nigerian Farmers Receive Hybrid Cocoa Seeds, Chemicals

News in brief: Over 100 Nigerian farmers in Cross River state have received hybrid cocoa seedlings and chemicals in an effort to improve productivity and reduce production costs.

More than 100 farmers in Etung LGA of Cross River state, Nigeria received hybrid cocoa seedlings and chemicals to improve their productivity. The agricultural inputs are meant to empower the farmers and reduce the cost of productivity.

At a presentation, which the LGA's chairman John Nkom Etuk presided over, the farmers expressed their gratitude. "These seedlings and chemicals will tremendously enhance our plantations. By extension, I know that it will boost cumulative state production," one of the farmers said.

Etuk commented that the donations were part of his administration's commitment to develop the agric sector, encourage farmers and improve cocoa production in the region. The state is one of the major cocoa producing places in the country. As cocoa beans is the most traded agricultural product in Nigeria, it makes sense that the regional leader is investing in it.

"Etung is known for cocoa, and my administration will continue contributing meaningfully to increase production and productivity despite daunting challenges so as to move cocoa production to a desirable level and improve the livelihood of our cocoa farmers and other actors in the value chain," he said.

In related news, the executive director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) advised farmers in Southern Kaduna to prioritise cash crops with export potential as well.

Ezra Yakusak, speaking with a forum of journalists, said that farmers can band together to access technical and input supports, which may not be available to small farm owners. The region is popular for its high quality ginger species, another crop in high demand internationally.

He claimed that besides inputs, farmers will also receive training on how to tap into the international market.

Nigeria's agricultural sector has always faced the issue of financing, and while these two stories are not talking about direct cash, inputs are the second best thing that farmers can receive.