Akwa Ibom Government distributes 500,000 cocoa seedlings to farmers

The Akwa Ibom State Government has distributed 500,000 cocoa seedlings and other farm inputs to cocoa farmers in the state.

The exercise which marks the flag-off of the new cocoa farming season, is aimed at boosting agriculture and ensure food security and  sufficiency in the state.

The Commmissioner for Agriculture and Women Affairs, Dr Glory Edet, made the presentation on behalf of Gov Udom Emmanuel, at Odoro Ikpe Cocoa Nursery Farm, Ini Local Government Area of the state.

According to Edet the governor’s support to cocoa farming has made the state the largest cocoa producer in the country.

“Beyond ensuring abundance in cocoa production in the state, Akwa Ibom State, now has the best variety of cocoa in the country.

“The governor has ensured that agro chemicals are distributed to the farmers to ward off pests. Fertilisers and sprayers have also been provided to the cocoa farmers to increase their yields,” Edet said.

Mr Bassey Inyang, the state Chairman, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, AFAN,  thanked the governor for his regular support to farmers saying that the governor’s tenure had witnessed the best intervention in the growth of agro business in the state.

Mr Isreal Idaisin, Chairman  Ini Local Government, thanked  the governor for appointing their daughter a Commissioner in the Ministry of Agriculture and Women Affair, saying that the appointment elevated the status of the area as the food basket of the state.

The Village Head of Ikpe Ikot Nkon, Eteidung Ndueso Bassey, expressed the people’s appreciation to the governor  for his interest in cocoa farming and provision of free improved cocoa seedlings and farm inputs.