Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture has taken Cocoa farmers and relevant stakeholders through strategies to improve the quality and quantity of agricultural produce for export purposes.

Speaking at a Day event held at Area J4 Forest Reserve in Ogun East Local Government Area, Commissioner in the Ministry, Dr. Adeola Odedina, said the present administration was determined to transform the economy and rejuvenate agriculture in addition to supporting farmers with necessary inputs.

Odedina noted that the step would help to diversify the economy and improve the well-being of farmers, adding that the unwholesome activities of some mischievous stakeholders had adversely affected the quality and marketing of agricultural produce and profit margin of merchants, as well as revenue to government coffers.

In his remark, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Dotun Sorunke emphasised the need to train farmers and value-chain stakeholders for improved yield, at ensuring that cocoa produced in the State meets international standards.

According to Sorunke, "cocoa business is very lucrative, that is why we want many youths to take advantage that abounds in its value-chain. The Governor has given us the mandate to encourage and empower farmers, and in line with this, the Ministry had distributed 100,000 new improved cocoa seedlings to farmers across the State, free of charge".

In his address, the Chairman, Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogun State chapter, Mr. Olusegun Sowunmi, commended the government for the training and support given to them, saying the backing had greatly enhanced their businesses.

On his part, the Chairman, Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN), Apostle Solomon Williams, advised farmers to adopt best agricultural practices in the cultivation and processing of cocoa for better yield.