Ondo’s Cocoa Revolution

ONDO State government is leaving no stone unturned in its drive at repositioning cocoa production in the state. This is with a view to making it not perpetually dependent on revenue which comes from oil every month. It has thus embarked on cocoa revolution and save the money spinning trees from dying .

THE State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu at a public forum disclosed that his administration has embarked on the rehabilitation of old cocoa farms while also venturing into new plantation development, citing as good example the resolve to establish 2,000 hectares model cocoa farm at Ijugbere camp, Ilale via Owo.

THE ambitious insight of the state government has also made it distributed at no cost 450,000 improved and quality cocoa seedlings to farmers across the state.

IT is interesting to note that

Ondo State was the first largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria, years back. The fortune of cocoa in the state has unfortunately dwindled. Nigeria presently produces 240,000 metric tonnes of cocoa per annum out of which the State accounts for over 40 percent. It is  a far cry from Ghana that produces one million metric tonnes and Ivory Coast that produces 1.4million metric tonnes.

IT is heart warming to know that Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredola has taken the bull by the horn at revamping cocoa production in the state. Like an ambitious football coach, he had to contemplate an ultramodern cocoa hybrid that matures between 12 to 24 months to be able to catapult the state’s yield  and metric tonnes of cocoa beans.

THE multiplier effect is that cocoa harvest will increase and old cocoa trees give way to a new hybrid that will not take long to mature.

OUR main area of strength in Ondo State is largely on tree crops which cocoa is number one, hence the need to fully develop it across the value chain.

WE therefore commend the state government on this resourceful idea for in a matter of three years, the State shall be richer and economically independent. The revolution will enhance the revenue profile of the state and provide job opportunities for the teaming unemployed youths. More importantly, it will wean the state from its parastic dependence on the monthly federal allocation from Abuja.

THE revolution in cocoa can generate millions of employments and as well generate millions of dollars in foreign exchange now that crude oil is facing a bleak future.

THE catalytic cocoa industries in Ile-Oluji and Alade Idanre will all have their main product, which is cocoa at hand, and this could generate more revenue to the coffers of the state government.

SINCE it is one of the state strategies to give cocoa a new lease of life, there is the need for the state government to look at the unmotorable rural roads leading to cocoa farms in the state. Adding to this, lack of drinkable water, poor accommodation, poor electricity, and other social amenities that could attract youths and make them embrace farming should be provided among others .

AGAIN, cocoa farmers should be trained in modern techniques and principles of cocoa production coupled with the use of modern fermentation and sun drying equipment.

WE advise the government and relevant agencies to work with Department of Agriculture, Adekunle Ajasin University for increase production, research and capacity building .

GOVERNMENT should also attract related companies to process the farm produce and make them valuable at both national and international markets.