A cocoa firm has distributed over 266,000 cocoa seedlings and 6,000 shade tree seedlings to over 9,000 farmers in cocoa-producing states in the country as part of a move to boost sustainable cocoa farming.
According to the indigenous agribusiness and manufacturing firm, Johnvents Group, the distribution of the seedlings was done in preparation for the upcoming planting season.
While emphasising the firm’s commitment to driving sustainable growth across the agricultural value chain, Sustainability Country Lead Ebenezer Kehinde stated that the initiative was part of the group’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture.
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According to Kehinde, the initiative executed through Project Nourished Crop, Better Farmer, was designed to rehabilitate, regenerate, and replant cocoa farms to ensure long-term growth and improved productivity.
The country lead explained that the primary goal of the distribution is to prepare farmers for the upcoming season, which he described as crucial for planting and regenerating cocoa crops.
Kehinde disclosed that to ensure that farmers have the right resources ahead of the period, Johnvents Group continued to advance its long-term strategy of supporting 150,000 cocoa farmers across 300,000 hectares of farmland by 2030, adding that the beneficiary farmers, who are more than 9000, are from key cocoa-producing regions of Cross River, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Abia states.
Giving the breakdown of the distributions, the Sustainability Country Lead said 61,000 seedlings were distributed in Ikom, Cross River; 50,000 seedlings in both Idanre and Oda, Ondo State; 20,000 seedlings in Owo; 10,000 seedlings in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State; 5,000 seedlings in Ila, Osun State; 15,000 seedlings each in Ekiti and Ogun States; 20,000 seedlings in Ife; and 10,000 seedlings in Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
He said, “This initiative is part of our yearly commitment to the farming communities. As we approach the rainy season, our farmers must be fully equipped. This seedling distribution provides them with the essential tools, including seedlings, farm seeds, and sustainable farming practices, to help boost their productivity for the season ahead.
“This distribution is a vital step towards advancing Johnvents Group’s objectives of regenerative farming, with an emphasis on both cocoa and shade trees. By introducing shade trees alongside cocoa plants, Johnvents is fostering an environment where farmers can increase their yields while maintaining a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to farming.
“These efforts play an integral role in enhancing food security, improving farmer livelihoods, and contributing to the overall growth of the global cocoa industry. As part of its long-term sustainability vision, Johnvents Group will continue to expand its efforts with additional seedling distributions planned for the coming months.
“Through collaborative partnerships with farmers and industry stakeholders, Johnvents remains dedicated to driving lasting change in the cocoa sector and strengthening the foundation for a globally competitive agricultural value chain.”
