Cross River State Government has commenced the planting of ten million improved organic cocoa seedlings, in its efforts to revitalize cocoa production, exportation, and control, in all the 18 local government areas.
Governor Ben Ayade who flagged-off the planting at Abia -Bendeghe cocoa estate in Etung Local Government Area of the state, says the effort is to make Nigeria become the highest producer of Cocoa in Africa by 2030.
Ayade who was represented by his Deputy, Ivara Esu says, Cross River will bring back cocoa as the main stay of agricultural produce of the state economy.
He calls on the federal government and other stakeholders to support the state to enable it realize its goal.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Cocoa Development and Control, Oscar Ofuka says, the project is targeted at youths employment and poverty reduction.
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The current rehabilitation and regeneration of Cocoa Estate Programme is coming after over fifty years when the late premier of the then Eastern Region planted cocoa across the current South South and the South Eastern States.
Editor: Ifeanyi Mark
