Cocoa farmers across the 20 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ogun State have been provided with free 100,000 new improved seedlings by the State Governmen, to ensure massive production of one of the major cash crops in Nigeria
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina made this known during a symbolic presentation of the seedlings to farmers in Ojowo, Ijebu-Igbo in the Ijebu North LGA.
Odedina expressed the determination of the Prince Dapo Abiodun's administration to empower farmers, create jobs and ensure better livelihood for the people through the distribution process
His words, "Cocoa is a profitable produce. We want to expose our people to the business. Cocoa can be grown anywhere just that some areas are more suitable than others”.
He urged the farmers to preserve the seedlings and ensure good agricultural practices to enhance their yield within 18 months of maturation.
In his address, the Chairman, Ijebu North Local Government, Mr. Bolaji Odusanya commended the State Government for the gesture, noting that it would help the people to attain economic emancipation.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer, Ijebu-Igbo Community Development Association, Otunba Aderemi Ogunbanjo urged farmers to key into the various agricultural interventions initiated by the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration.
On his part, the Director,Tree Crop Department, Mr. James expressed optimism that the initiative would impact on farmers positively, as the new cocoa breeds known as the TC- series would replenish the old dying trees and increase yield at the maturation stage.
Responding on behalf of other beneficiaries, Mrs. Salau Olayinka and Mr. Kunle Asiru applauded the government for the opportunities given to the farmers, saying it would enable them to compete favourably with their counterparts in the neighboring State.
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