CPFAN sensitizes people on benefits of Cocoa and Plantain farming
… Targets Anambra to become highest Cocoa producers in Nigeria soon
By Uzo Ugwunze
Cocoa and Plantain Farmers Association of Nigeria (CPFAN) has embarked on grassroots sensitization on the benefits of embracing Cocoa and plantain farming as a lucrative business, source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and alternative means of employment.
The Association which recently gave away about 7 million naira worth of Cocoa and plantain seedlings to people aims at ensuring Anambra State becomes the highest cocoa producing state in Nigeria in the next 5 years.
CPFAN expounded the value chain and gains derivable from investing in Cocoa and Plantain cultivation at Oba Civic center during the flag-off cum launching of Cocoa and Plantain farming in Idemili South Local Government Area (ISLGA).
According to National President CPFAN, Chief Ayodele Ojo, we are in partnership with Cocoa Research Institute(CRI) and through the assistance of Big Stars Global Foundation they had raised about 60,000 seedlings with private investment program in less than 3years.
“Our LGA flag-off project is a means of reaching out to grassroot farmers and to educate them on the profits attached to cocoa and plantain farming so that they can join CPFAN, invest and enjoy the proceeds.
In his address, CPFAN South East Zonal President, Prince Dickson Samuel said that the association encouraged spirited individuals to venture and invest into cocoa and plantain farming at Uli, Nnewi, Awka, Ozubulu, Ndikelionwu, Umuchu in Anambra State which they had been harvesting.
“It is worthy to note that 85percent investors have been paid their 100 percent return on investment in Cocoa seedlings project.
“CPFAN goals include: to build capacity of cocoa and plantain farmers on ways to meet international market standards for the commodities; to meet local and foreign industries’ demand for raw materials that are cocoa and plantain based;
“Establishing cocoa and plantain processing center so as to boost the economic indices that measure growth of the commodities ( Gross Domestic Product), employment creation and income generation;
“to acquaint members on the climate change coping strategies to enable them practice climate smart agriculture; to introduce cultivation of improved varieties that will increase yield within a short period; to synergize all actors in the Cocoa and plantain value chain towards self-sufficiency in both commodities.
“We seek for people’s membership and patronage because cocoa by products are very good for our health. Plantain has fibre, supports the immune system. Plantains posses rich antioxidants, iron, potassium, vitamin B6, good for diabetic and hypotensive patients,” said Samuel.
Moreover,a philanthropist and Young Progressive Party (YPP) Anambra State House of Assembly aspirant, Chief Chidiebere Mmadunagu (Agumba) who donated Cocoa and plantain seedlings to 50 participants urged Nigerians to embrace agriculture as means of generating economic revenue.
” Nigeria and other African countries should go back to agriculture as a source of revenue generation. Nigeria has been over dependent on oil. Malaysia came here and collected palm seedlings which made them the highest world producers of palm oil and it is there major source of revenue.
“Job seekers, under employed youths can embrace fish farming, poultry, Cocoa and plantain farming which can be grown into making them employers of labor within few years.
“I also urge politicians who divert money allocated for agriculture to desist unlike what is obtainable at the northern region. Government should assist farmers with grants and loans to enable both older farmers and new agriculture investors establish sustainable farms that will not only put food on people’s tables but improve our economy,” said Madunagu.
Highlights of the flag-off include free distribution of Cocoa and plantain seedlings to participants. Selling of the seedlings at a give away price and registration of new members into CPFAN and Big Stars Global foundation.
