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In its attempt to bridge the input gap in cocoa production in Nigeria, the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) has presented certificates to trained cocoa nursery operators and seed entrepreneurs.
The Tide source reports that CRIN organized the event in Ibadan on Tuesday in partnership with the Foundation for Partnership Initiative in the Niger Delta (PIND).
In his remarks, CRIN Executive Director Dr. Patrick Adebola said the institute ventured into its first training of nursery operators and seed entrepreneurs as a crucial step in addressing the needs of cocoa and increase its production.
“The starting point of the cocoa value chain is to have good quality planting material, which will bring a high yield.
“And it would be resistant to pests and diseases. We also need inputs which would be early and this would result in increased cocoa production in the country.
“The importance of this event is to help our farmers get good planting materials wherever they need them, such as when they are due.
“There are around 300,000 cocoa farmers in Nigeria, but CRIN cannot reach all the farmers at the same time and provide them with the planting material they need.
“This is the reason for our partnership with PIND to train and certify nurserymen, so they can complement what CRIN is doing to reach outback farmers,” Adebola said.
CRIN’s Executive Director has tasked certified nurserymen with using the knowledge gained to ensure that quality cocoa plants are produced and distributed to farmers.
In addition, the Executive Director of PIND, Mr. Tunji Idowu, represented by Mr. Chuks Oulue, the Advocacy Officer of the organization, appreciated CRIN for allowing the organization to partner with him to come up with solutions. to some of the challenges identified in cocoa production.
Idowu said that after doing extensive research and assessment, it was discovered that there is a lot of potential in the cocoa value chain that could create jobs, increase incomes and ensure food security.
In their various goodwill messages, Dr. Abiodun Adedeji, Director, Cocoa Program; Dr. Moses Ogunlade, Director, Production and Substation; and Dr Anna Muyiwa, Head, Crop Improvement; urged trainees to adhere to CRIN standards and best practices in seedling production.
Furthermore, Dr. Festus Olasupo, a cocoa breeder and genetics who is also the facilitator of the training, said that 40 nurserymen started the journey, but only 14 made it and qualified for the certificates received.