Adegoke argued that cocoa production had suffered neglect for over 50 years, and advocated strategic cocoa policies, management and support. Pension scheme, rebate and other organised and government-enabled benefits for cocoa farmers are emplaced in Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Brazil and Cuba, but Nigerian cocoa farmers have not been socially, economically or structurally enabled to rev up production. Excessive dry season, hunting activities, activities of herders setting farms ablaze, and heat-induced fire disasters have compounded woes of cocoa production as productivity is hampered. He also identified adulteration of improved cocoa seedlings as a barrier. Higher productivity per hectare could be achieved if improved seedlings are planted on existing plantations or used for new ones.

Source: The Guardian March 15, 2021 04:37 UTC