Cross River Govt, Stakeholders Launch New Cocoa Production Drive

Key players from the state government, agro‑industry, private sector, development agencies and farmer groups gathered yesterday in Calabar to chart a new agenda aimed at boosting cocoa production in Cross River.

The one‑day sensitization event, organised by the Cross River State Special Agro‑industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ), saw officials outline plans to tackle infrastructure gaps and stimulate business growth.

State coordinator of SAPZ, Victor Edet, said “We are here to draw up strategic plans that will boost yields and generate revenue for farmers and the state.”

He highlighted the crippling power shortage – citing a 1,000‑kilometre stretch without reliable electricity – as a major hurdle that the zone intends to address.

Chairman of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria in the state, Dr Ramsey Ebamdeb, hailed the initiative, saying SAPZ would supply inputs, set up an industrial processing hub and create jobs.

“The programme is fantastic for cocoa farmers. New varieties will replace farms that are up to 60 years old, raising productivity and opening up better pricing through value-added processing,” he explained.

President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Kelly Ayamba, urged residents to maximise the opportunity.

“Our people need to wake up and take advantage of this. We will sensitise members and push for an enabling environment so the program can thrive,” he said.

The stakeholders’ roadmap seeks to rejuvenate old cocoa plantations, improve power supply and build a processing ecosystem that will benefit both farmers and the state’s economy.