Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji of Ekiti State has greenlit a 50% subsidy on oil palm, cocoa, and cashew seedlings for distribution among farmers in the state during this planting season. The State Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Ebenezer Boluwade, conveyed this information in a statement released to the press in Ado-Ekiti. He emphasized that this initiative is part of the strategic efforts by the Oyebanji administration to foster employment, wealth creation, and to revive the State’s agricultural prominence, reminiscent of its heyday in the 1970s when it was renowned globally as a leading cocoa producer in Nigeria.
The scheme aims to rejuvenate old plantations by replacing aged trees and those lost to bush burning with high-quality seedlings characterized by shorter gestation periods. Additionally, there is a push to involve enthusiastic young farmers in cocoa plantation farming. The Commissioner encouraged both established and aspiring farmers to participate in the program, assuring government support in the form of agrochemicals to combat fungal diseases and pests, ultimately enhancing yield.
Highlighting the thriving global cocoa market with prices soaring to $10,000 per metric tonne, the Commissioner advised interested farmers to contact the Tree Crops Department of the Ministry for payment details as outlined in the provided flyer.
