NEPC boosts cocoa exports, distributes improved seedlings, incentives to farmers in Cross River

 

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By Judex Okoro, Calabar

As part of measures to boost Nigeria’s export to global market, the Nigerian Export Promotion Council NEPC has commenced the distribution of improved cocoa seedlings and agricultural inputs to cocoa farmers in Cross River state.

The incentives, according to NEPC, are also intended to guarantee high yields for optimum returns as well as bolstering supplies to meet the prevailing high demand for Nigerian Cocoa from the global market

Speaking at a workshop packaged to expose farmers to modern procedure in cocoa cultivation held at Ikom in central senatorial district, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Dr Ezra Yakusak, said the initiative indicates a new milestone in the agency’s quest for effective synergy with key stakeholders to accelerate Nigeria’s export drive.

He said: “This is a new dimension to our collective quest in exploring viable options for advancing our export market. Our local farming method can no longer sustain our drive to meet global demand for cocoa which is one of our major export commodity.

” The distribution of the improved cocoa seedlings is a fallout from our collaboration with Cocoa Research Institute and other major players in the sector to revolutionize agriculture in Nigeria

“With new dynamics in technology, Nigeria can not afford to depend entirely on oil as the only source of foreign earnings, our agricultural sector is a gold mine waiting to be explored”

The Executive Director, who was represented by the Trade Promotion Officer, Calabar Area Office of NEPC, Mr Osas Omorogbe, revealed that Cross River was chosen for the inaugural phase in view of the strategic status of the state as a leading cocoa producing state with unique geographical gateway for export.

He lamented that despite the cardinal role of SMEs in boosting downstream economic activities,most SMEs are prone to premature collapse due to poorous capital base, hence the need for urgent action to curtail the dangerous trend.

Speaking, the Chairman , Cross River State Chapter of Cocoa Association of Nigeria CAN, Mr Ejoh Achu, expressed delight at the gesture noting that the development will upgrade production and individual capacity of members.

Commending the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) for concerted effort tailored towards diversifying the Nigerian economy by promoting non oil exports to boost foreign earnings, the Cross River State commissioner for Commerce, Mrs Rosemary Archibong,0 made the commendation while declaring open a one day workshop in Calabar on”Accessing Incentives and Finance for Export Business” packaged by NEPC for stakeholders in Cross River.

She expressed delight at the commitment and dedication demonstrated by NEPC in orientating stakeholders in Cross River towards exploring the viable export potentials of the state, noting that such exposure would stimulate the local economy and checkmate over dependance on fluctuating statutory allocations.

According to her “NEPC has done more than enough in galvanizing the export public towards harnessing the huge viable export opportunities prevalent in the state, the onus is now on us to pick up the gaulet,team up and work our dreams to reality”


— Sun News