By Josephine Oguntoyinbo

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To ensure that Ondo State is in compliance with the international standard of quality cocoa parameters, the state government yesterday in partnership with Subjugate Cocoa trained Farm Service Providers (FSP) and Internal Monitoring System (IMS) Officers in the state.
Participants at the event are expected to train cocoa farmers and other stakeholders .
Speaking at the training the trainers programme,the Secretary,state Cocoa Revolution Agency,Mr Toba Adenowuro informed that the training is to ensure production of high yield and quality cocoa beans .
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 were being rejected in the International market due to bad quality which is demeaning to us as a nation, he therefore said it must be addressed as a state which is known as no one producing state.
Adenowuro informed that the expert that are 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 Secretary affirmed that the state government has done a lot to ensure high and quality production of cocoa through various programmes which includes, distribution of free cocoa seedlings to farmers, establishment of 8,000 hecters cocoa plantation,among others.
Also speaking in an interview, Mr Tajudeen Kayode of Subjugate Nigeria Limited, advocated for the procurement of good quality beans and better yields for farmers in Nigeria to ensure sustainability.
During the training ,the facilitators took participant’s 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.