Cocoa Production Rises by 40% in Ondo State

Ondo State, Nigeria's largest cocoa producer, has recorded a 40% increase in cocoa production this season. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, farmers produced 120,000 metric tonnes compared to 85,000 tonnes last year. Factors contributing to the boom include government-subsidized seedlings, pest control initiatives, and improved access to markets. The Commissioner for Agriculture visited Idanre, the state's cocoa belt, and encouraged farmers to join cooperatives for better pricing. "Ondo cocoa is world-class. We are now targeting 200,000 metric tonnes by 2026," he said.