Farmers in eleven cocoa-producing states of the federation have benefited from the 266,000 seedlings and 6,000 shade tree seedlings distributed by an indigenous agribusiness and manufacturing group, Johnvents Group
The Country Sustainability Lead, Mr Ebenezer Kehinde, said the company’s gesture was part of efforts to boost cocoa production in the country. He said the group distributed the seedlings in preparation for the planting season that is fast approaching.
Kehinde said the indigenous agribusiness and manufacturing group is committed to driving sustainable growth across the entire agricultural value chain from production, processing, manufacturing, and distribution.
Kehinde said the initiative was part of the Group’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and regenerative agriculture, executed through Project Nourished Crop, Better Farmer, a programme designed to rehabilitate, regenerate, and replant cocoa farms to ensure long-term growth and improved productivity.
He explained that the primary goal of the distribution is to prepare farmers for the upcoming rainy season, which is critical for the planting and regeneration of cocoa crops.
Kehinde disclosed that to ensure that farmers have the right resources ahead of this key period, Johnvents Group continued to advance its long-term strategy of supporting 150,000 cocoa farmers across 300,000 hectares of farmland by 2030.
The beneficiary farmers, who are more than 9,000, are from key cocoa-producing regions, including Cross River, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, and Abia states.
Giving the breakdown of the distributions, Kehinde 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 and 10,000 seedlings in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State, 5,000 seedlings in Ila, Osun State, 15,000 seedlings each in Ekiti and Ogun States, and 20,000 seedlings in Ife, 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 expanding its efforts with additional seedling distributions planned in 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.”
Kehinde said Johnvents Group has been at the intersection of everything agriculture, unlocking immense value and ensuring food supply and premium export value for Africa.
He restated its commitment to driving sustainable growth across the agricultural value chain, including production, processing, manufacturing, and trade of commodity and food products in Nigeria and the rest of the world.
