Cocoa pods
By Akpan David, Calabar
Cross River State has raised no fewer than 100,000 organic cocoa seedlings at its demonstration farm in Calabar.
The organic seedlings are meant to be planted in about 3,800 hectares and to also replace aged cocoa stems in older plantations in the state.
Dr Oscar Ofuka, the special adviser on cocoa developments in the state explained that, “The brand of cocoa nursery we have raised here in this demonstration farm is organic cocoa.
“It is devoid of chemical usage to nurture the cocoa pods.
“This particular variety is very expensive at the international market.”
He further explained that the specie of cocoa begins fruiting after 18 months.
He said that cocoa experts have agreed that it is the best in the production of chocolate bars.
“We would used the seedlings to do replacement for the 3, 800 hectares of cocoa planted in one of the plantations last year.”
