Enugu unveils 20-hectare pilot cocoa plantation

The Enugu State Government has joined forces with WhiteRabbit Agro Limited, a private investor, to establish a large-scale cocoa plantation aimed at driving both production and processing in the region. This strategic partnership aligns with the vision of Governor Peter Mbah to transform the state into a prominent player in the cocoa industry, fostering agricultural development and economic growth.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Mr. Patrick Ubru, disclosed that the initiative’s pilot plantation spans 20 hectares in Nkanu East Local Government Area. He emphasized the state’s commitment to expanding cocoa farming across similar topographies and soil types in neighboring local government areas, such as Nkanu West, Isi-Uzo, Oji-River, Aninri, and Awgu, aiming for a total of 100 hectares of cocoa plantations in each area.

To ensure success, the state is partnering with Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN, Ibadan) to source 100,000 high-yielding and early-producing cocoa varieties. These seedlings will be cultivated in a nursery located at Amaechi Idodo, also in Nkanu East. The commissioner also highlighted the financial potential of cocoa, noting that one tonne of cocoa currently commands around USD $10,500, which translates to approximately ₦16.3 million.

Enugu State’s efforts are not only about boosting cocoa production but also about creating a robust agro-business ecosystem, with the goal of reaching an ambitious $30 billion GDP target through agricultural and agro-industrial initiatives. The government is actively inviting partnerships from individuals, cooperatives, multinational corporations, and governmental bodies interested in participating in the cocoa initiative and other agricultural ventures in the state.

Moreover, the state is making strides in infrastructure development, including upgrades at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport cargo section, which will facilitate the export of quality organic and fresh farm produce to international markets.
Source- The Guardian

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders
The Enugu State Cocoa Initiative is an exciting development in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with the potential to significantly boost cocoa production and contribute to the state’s economic diversification. Here are key aspects that make this initiative promising:

1. Strategic Location and Expansion Plan: The pilot project in Nkanu East is well-positioned to expand across similar local government areas, taking advantage of ideal cocoa-growing conditions. This expansion will spread the benefits of cocoa farming to rural communities, thereby creating local jobs and improving incomes for smallholder farmers.
2. Quality and High-Yield Varieties: By sourcing high-yielding cocoa varieties from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), the initiative aims to ensure that farmers receive high-quality seedlings that promise early returns on investment. This is a crucial factor for increasing productivity and making cocoa farming more attractive to farmers.
3. Economic Impact and Financial Potential: With one tonne of cocoa valued at USD $10,500 on the international market, the potential for foreign exchange earnings and local economic growth is substantial. However, there must be focused support for farmers to bridge the gap between high market prices and the challenges of production, such as access to finance, storage, and post-harvest management.
4. Agro-Industrialisation and Job Creation: The integration of agro-processing within the cocoa value chain can unlock significant value-added opportunities, including the processing of cocoa into various products such as cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and chocolate. This will provide a steady income for farmers while fostering the growth of local agro-industries.
5. Collaboration and Support Infrastructure:  The open invitation for collaborations with various stakeholders will create a broad network of support for farmers, from input supply to market access. Additionally, the development of infrastructure such as the cargo section at Akanu Ibiam International Airport will enhance export opportunities, positioning Enugu State as a competitive player in the global cocoa market.

Recommendations for Stakeholders

For farmers:

1. Embrace the support provided by the state government in terms of high-quality seedlings, technical assistance, and market linkages to ensure success in cocoa farming.
2. Participate in the outgrower schemes and extension services provided by the state to increase productivity and income.

For investors and agro-businesses:

1. Partnering with the state in the cocoa initiative could yield long-term returns, particularly in cocoa processing and value addition.
2. Investing in cocoa processing facilities within the state could create a profitable ecosystem that adds value to the cocoa produced locally.

For policy-makers and government bodies:

1. Ensure that agricultural policies support the sustainable growth of the cocoa sector, particularly in areas of finance access, infrastructure development, and market access.
2. Focus on enhancing climate resilience in cocoa farming through agro-ecological practices to mitigate risks associated with environmental changes.”