Export promotion council begins cocoa production hub in Bayelsa

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) is enlarging cocoa export base in the South-South to boost Nigeria’s share of the international market.

NEPC has thus flagged-off the distribution of improved cocoa seedlings and a seminar as part of efforts to begin cocoa production in Bayelsa State.

The one-day seminar on Good Agricultural Practices for Cocoa Production and Productivity, organised by the NEPC Bayelsa State Coordinating Office last week at Sagbama in Sagbama Local Government Area would see the state begin steps towards attaining a single export item by taking advantage of its rich soil suitable for cocoa production.

Nigeria was the leading producer of cocoa globally but lost its position to Ivory Coast due to lack of investment. Now, with the rising cost of the crop in the international market, NEPC says it is determined to help the nation reclaim its number one producer status in the near future.

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Read also: Ageing trees, pest attacks driving Africa’s cocoa shortfall

Nigeria fared better than Ghana and Ivory Coast in the past one year due to an attack of disease on cocoa on those two countries. The impact affected global market supply and led to a surge in price per ton to over 100%.

Speaking at the event, Nonye Ayeni, NEPC CEO, said it was a demonstration of a shared commitment to revitalise and sustain Nigeria’s non-oil export sector with cocoa taking its rightful place as a high potential commodity in the export diversification agenda.

Represented by Ben Itegbe, South-South zonal coordinator, the CEO said the choice of Bayelsa State was in recognition of its fertile land, increasing awareness, and growing farmer networks to give the state a huge role to play in Nigeria’s export future.

“Today represents more than a simple event. It is a clear demonstration of our shared commitment to revitalizing and sustaining Nigeria’s non-oil export sector, with cocoa taking its rightful place as a high-potential commodity in our export diversification agenda”, she stated.

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Ayeni said, “Cocoa remains one of Nigeria’s most valuable agricultural exports, and we are proud of our country’s historical contributions to the global cocoa industry. Yet, we must also acknowledge that much work remains to be done to reclaim our leadership and unlock even greater value across the cocoa value chain, from production to processing and export.

“That is why today’s programme is so important. By equipping our farmers with not only improved cocoa seedlings but also the knowledge of best practices in cultivation, post-harvest handling, and sustainability, we are sowing the seeds, literally and figuratively, for a more productive, competitive, and resilient cocoa sector.

“I commend the farmers gathered here today, especially those from Sagbama, Ekeremor, Nembe, and the surrounding communities. Your willingness to embrace innovation, adopt good agricultural practices, and invest in quality cultivation is what will propel Nigeria forward in the global cocoa market. You are the heroes of this transformation.”

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Itegbe, the zonal coordinator, speaking or himself, presented a paper on ‘Unlocking Bayelsa Cocoa Production for Development’, and highlighted the economic benefits of cocoa farming to the state and farmers.

Earlier, in her welcome address, Sylvia Adeneye, the Bayelsa State Coordinating Officer, disclosed that in order to achieve the goal of placing the state on the map of cocoa exports, her office had embarked on certain steps.

She said: “As part of our efforts to achieve this goal, we have formed a cocoa cluster, which will serve as a platform for farmers, processors and other stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge and best practices.

“Furthermore, we will soon establish a cocoa nursery in Bayelsa State, which will provide high-quality cocoa seedlings to farmers, thereby improving the quality and yield of cocoa production.”

In his goodwill message, Ojoh Magbisa, who is paramount ruler of Sagbama, represented by a chief, Adise Eyitimbai, welcomed the initiative and gave support for mass production of cocoa in his land.

Also speaking, Richardson Boma, President of Bayelsa Cocoa Cluster, and Noble Akenge, the President of Yenagoa Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, all commended the initiative and the potential for growth.

Sarah Udisi, the Director of Agricultural Services in the state Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, who was represented by Gbefa Pamowei, an agricultural officer, lectured on ‘Modern Agronomy Techniques and Best Practices for Cocoa Seedling Production’.

The Director of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation in the Agricultural Development Programme, taught the participants on Disease Management and Pest Control in Cocoa Production.

Highpoint of the programme was the presentation of improved cocoa seedlings to cocoa farmers representing clusters from Sagbama, Nembe, Yenagoa, Southern Ijaw local government areas of the state.