By Fatima Muraina

In order to maintain her leading position in cocoa production in Nigeria, Ondo state government has been urged to resuscitate strict monitoring of the product to meet international standard.
The State Chairman of Sunshine Cocoa Farmers Association, Mr Julius Ogundare made the call in a chat with The Hope in Akure.
He disclosed that Cross River State is running faster than expected, becoming a threat to pick the first position in cocoa production.
Ogundare identified some sharp practices in the process of grading where he said some particles are injected into the beans to add to its weight for onward exportation which is later rejected in the international market.
He declared that strict monitoring carried out by the produce department of the ministry of Agriculture and the exporters during the 50’s and 60’s be brought back to ensure that only good quality of cocoa beans are transported to meet the international market standard.
This, he noted will not only give a boost to the production, but will also increase the revenue generation of the state as well as ensuring that farmers smiles to the banks.
He also raised the need to add value to the produce before exportation which he said will also help improve the economy of the state.
He, however appreciated the leadership of the present administration, imploring it to sustain the enabling environment created for cocoa farmers to strive.
These, according to him, included; encouraging farmers to open new computer in farm settlement in reserve areas, release of funds to farmers during the advent of COVID-19, provision of input at susidized rate, raising of cocoa seedlings among many of others.
“Government has raised cocoa seedlings and has established another cocoa settlement in Jugbere where farmers are given lands for production of cocoa and will be given plantain suckers , Cocoa seedlings as well as teaching them the best way to farm at Jugbere,” he said.