Determined to diversify the economy and enhance its revenue generation through agriculture, the Ondo state government has concluded plans to raise five million cocoa seedlings in different locations across the state.
Adegboyega Adefarati, commissioner for Agriculture of Ondo State, said the move was in line with the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission as well as efforts by the State to maintain its leading position in cocoa production in Nigeria.
The commissioner who stated this during a visit to the State Hybrid Cocoa Seed Garden at Owena in Idanre Local Government Area of the state, said government had put in place measures to boost cocoa production as well as other economic crops across the state.
He said government would focus on establishment of cocoa and cashew plantation mainly in the northern and central senatorial districts of the state, while oil palm plantations would be established in the southern senatorial district.
Adefarati said part of the five million seedlings would be sold to farmers at subsidized rates to enable them replace their ageing cocoa plantations, as well as establish new farms.
He informed that government has acquired thousands of hectares of land for the cocoa plantation in the northern senatorial district of the state and assured that land-clearing and preparation ahead of next planting season would soon begin.
The Commissioner said all ageing government owned cocoa plantations across the state would be regenerated and repositioned for maximum production towards generating income for the state.
Adefarati said the administration of Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is determined to exposing the agricultural sector for job creation, food security and employment opportunities as well as improved standard of living.
Yomi Ayeleso, Akure
