Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) trained one hundred (100) Cocoa farmers in Cross River state on Best Agricultural Practices and Safe Use of Pesticides on Cocoa on March 31, 2022. In attendance were the Honourable Commissioner of Agriculture Hon. Okon A.O., Cross River State, represented by the Director of Tree Crop, Mr John Abam Iwawa; State Trade Promotion Advisor, Calabar Export Assistance Office (NEPC), Mr Osas Omorogbe represented by Mrs Adeneye Sylvia; the Executive Director CRIN, Dr Patrick Adebola represented by Director (Training), Dr Sunday Agbeniyi; Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria (CFAN) State Chairman, Chief Gabe Odu Oji; Cocoa Association of Nigeria (CAN) Chairman, Mr Ejor Bissong represented by Pastor E. Daniel; cocoa farmers and resource persons from CRIN: Dr. A.O. Famaye, Dr. M.O. Ogunlade and Dr. Anna Muyiwa. Cross River Broadcasting Corporation covered the event.

The training was designed to help farmers boost production and enhance quality. The ED of CRIN expressed concern over the low value attached to Nigeria’s commodity by European traders, blaming it on wrong application of pesticides. He told farmers to adopt safe use of pesticides on cocoa in order to avoid rejection of Nigeria cocoa beans in the international market. He emphasized that the knowledge disseminated, being adhered to by cocoa farmers, will enable achievement of minimum residue limits (MRLs) in the incidence of pesticides residue and ensure that Nigeria exportable cocoa beans meet require international food safety requirement standard. The Director Training, Dr S.O. Agbeniyi took a session on Responsible Pesticides Use on cocoa and also a demonstration on proper spraying method. The Director (Production and Substation), Dr M.O. Ogunlade, trained the participants on Integrated Soil Fertility Management, while the Director Farming System Research (FSR), Dr A.O. Famaye, explained in detail on Cocoa Nursery and Field Establishment. Dr. Anna Muyiwa also taught farmers on best practices of Cocoa harvesting and fermentation.

The trainees representing cocoa farmers under CFAN and CAN were drawn from all the Local Governments in Cross River State where cocoa is being grown, that is, Etung, Boki, Ikom, Arong, Obubra, Yala, Bokwarra, and Odukpan.