Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Offiong Offor, has urged cocoa farmers in the state to adopt good agronomic practices in order to ensure improved yields.

Offor gave the advice on Monday at Odoro Ikpe, Ini Local Government Area, during the distribution of cocoa seedlings to farmers to mark the beginning of the 2024 cocoa planting season.

She disclosed that the State Government had made available over 150,000 cocoa seedlings to be distributed to cocoa farmers across the state.

The Commissioner said the distribution of the cocoa seedlings to farmers signaled a significant step to increased cocoa production and improvement of livelihoods.

“We know the current price of 1kg of cocoa in the market, it is very expensive. So, it is a wake-up call by Governor Umo Eno for all to return to the farm.

“When you receive the cocoa seedlings, make the best use of them. Do well to maintain good agronomic practices, to reap bountiful harvests.

“This year, we have provided over 150,000 cocoa seedlings to be distributed to cocoa farmers in the state. I implore you to make good use of the seedlings”, Offor said.

The Commissioner called on cocoa farmers to notify extension agents in the ministry early if they were confronted with of any challenge

In his remarks, the State Chairman, Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr Ekikere Bassey, said it was expedient for agriculture stakeholders to support the cultivation of cocoa to improve the economy of the state.

He said cocoa farming was a lucrative agribusiness, and urged farmers to show interest in the cultivation of the cash crop.