TheCable

The Osun state government says no fewer than 2,000 farmers will benefit from its partnership with AFEX Commodities Exchange Limited and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on cocoa production.

Speaking on Thursday at the flag-off of the 2021 cocoa farming season, Adegboyega Oyetola, governor of Osun, said the partnership will boost the economic potentials of the state.

“We have the land and the necessary requirements. Our farmers have been sensitised and trained to join our cocoa scheme. We desire to use this to encourage our youth in the state,” he said.

“To this end, we are set to empower 2,000 farmers in the state especially in cocoa production to make our state the lead in cocoa production in Nigeria.

“The government is ready to partner with such organisations and as such is happy with what AFEX and the CBN is doing. It is something of joy to us and we are always ready to collaborate.”

The governor, who was represented at the event by Benedict Alabi, his deputy, said farmers, drawn from the state’s LGAs, will have access to improved seedlings, credit facilities, regular training on how to further improve the quality of produce as well as the required certification to maximise profit.

Also speaking at the event, Ayodeji Balogun, chief executive officer of AFEX, said the company is poised towards boosting the value chain of cocoa production in the country in a bid to optimise opportunities for all stakeholders.

“We are trying to make sure that by next year, we are going to see if we can raise it to over 10,000 farmers who will be able 2 access inputs, benefit from the partnership with us & so on,” Balogun said.

“AFEX started in the last five years and currently works with over 200,000 farmers in 18 states. We are not only into produce buying but strategic in finding ways to help the farmers.”

In her remark, Oluyemisi Adebayo, a representative of CBN, said the apex bank is committed to supporting farmers through development finance.

She urged farmers to cooperate with AFEX, CBN and the state government by taking advantage of the opportunity given to them to improve their business.