Everyone loves chocolates,but you might be surprised that
most Nigerians don’t know that chocolates are made from cocoa.
If your one of those people that want to start your own cocoa farm or your just curious and want to know about cocoa farming business without boring yourself, then you should go ahead and check out some of the quick facts about cocoa farming in Nigeria.
1. West Africa is ranked as one of the largest cocoa producing countries,Nigeria is also ranked as the 4th largest global producer of cocoa.
2. Nigeria was once one of the largest exporter and producer of cocoa which is a major cash crop before the oil boom which caused a decrease in number of production of the cash crop.
3. Cocoa is one of the fastest selling agricultural products in the international market and the local market.
7. After planting of cocoa,harvesting starts at about 18 months,not only is this business profitable,it is also requires time,effort,patience and energy.
9. Nigeria began cocoa production in the late 18th century in Bonny and Calabar.
10. Cocoa thrives in areas that are not more than 20 degrees north or south of the equator,that is probably the reason why the cash crop thrives in the south south part of Nigeria,most often the cocoa tree is grown from seedlings which are raised in nurseries,after the plant grows to a height of 3 cm,it is then transplanted at a distance of 3 to 4 meters.
12. Some of the major problems of cocoa production in Nigeria include high cost of establishing nurseries and plantations,low level of market information,high levels of spoilage,low quality beans Etc.
13. Cocoa plantation is prone to diseases and will require expensive chemicals to keep diseases such as black pod at bay,also cultivation is a very delicate process because the plant is very sensitive and responds to changing weather conditions.
14. The quality of crops exported from Nigeria is considered of a lower quality on the international market,however Nigeria’s cocoa is known in the world market for its pleasant aroma.
In conclusion:
Cocoa farming is very lucrative,but before venturing into the business you should take intensive lessons and probably start off by dealing on the seeds, after learning the ropes and saving money,you can then consider setting up your own cocoa farm.
