Ekiti boosts cocoa production with N40m

The Ekiti State Government says it has committed N40 million to boost cocoa production in the country. Prof. Mobolaji Aluko, the state Director-General, Office of Transformation, Strategy and Delivery (OTSD) disclosed this on Thursday in Ado-Ekiti in a meeting with members of the state chapter of the Cocoa Development Association.  Aluko affirmed that the development of agriculture remained one of the major focuses of the Kayode Fayemi-led APC administration in the state.  “A total sum of N40 million has been set aside for the establishment of Cocoa Clonal Garden/Cocoa Rehabilitation in the state.’’  The D-G assured of a continued collaboration between the state government and the farmers, which would assist to revive cocoa production in the state. The Chairman of the association, Mr Francis Ibitoye expressed appreciation to the government for its gestures. He expressed the readiness of the association to partner with the government at all times for the development of agriculture in the state.