By Chukwuka Ugokwe :
Cocoa and Plantain Farmers Association of Nigeria (CPFAN) has commended South East governors especially the Governor of Anambra State Prof. Charles Soludo for creating enabling environment for mass plantation of the crops in the geo-political region.
Making this commendation in an address presented during the flag off and launching of Cocoa and Plantain Farming exhibition at Oba Civic Centre, Idemmli South Council of Anambra State, South East Zonal President of the Association, Prince Samuel Dickson, said government intervention measures had assisted to grow over 600,000 Cocoa Seedlings across the region within a short period.
He revealed that the association had cultivated well above (284,000) hectares of land, adding that it could be expanded to more than 350,000 hectares if given the needed support services.
Prince Dickson noted the success story recorded so far was a clear indication of their commitment to develop the produce both for local consumption and export for economic sustainability of the nation.
” We have not relented in encouraging Potential Innovation as it is our policy to encourage spirited individuals to venture and invest in Cocoa and Plantain farming in different locations within Anambra State namely – Uli, Nnewi, Awka, Ozubulu as well as others.
“Our local government flag off project is nothing but means to reach out to the grassroots farmers and also educate them on the profit attached to Cocoa and plantain farming. We are in strong collaboration with Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria. We are calling on all stakeholders in agriculture value chains such as Central Bank of Nigeria, Export Promotion Council, Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Nirsal Micro Finance Ltd, and all partners in agriculture development project to partner us for rapid development of cocoa and plantain farming”.
On her part, Mrs. Helen Uju Madu ,Chairman Anambra State Chapter of the Association, urged Nigerians especially Anambra citizens to embrace agriculture and invest in cocoa and plantain plantation.
She described the sector as lucrative and capable of wiping out poverty, insecurity and create jobs even as she appealed to the state government to partner the association to draw interest to boost the produce.
Earlier, Chief Ayodele Ojo, the National President of the Association underscored the importance of synergy between the association and various state governments. He, then, applauded the Anambra State Governor Prof. Charles Soludo for his government cooperation and interest in agricultural development especially cocoa and plantain farming.
Highlight of the occasion was free distribution of more than 1000 cocoa and plantain seedlings and suckers to potential investors to encourage them to grow the crops.
