The major states that produce cocoa are Ondo, Cross River, Ogun, Akwa Ibom, Ekiti, Delta, Osun and Oyo.

Which state is the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria?

Ondo
“Farmers all over the state are now embracing it,” he added. Ondo is the largest cocoa grower in Nigeria and accounts for about 40% of national production, estimated at 280,000 to 300,000 tons of cocoa per season by trade groups.

Is cocoa farming profitable in Nigeria?

Cocoa farming in Nigeria is one of the most profitable businesses for entrepreneurs looking to invest in agriculture in Nigeria. It provides a large harvest without demanding too much effort or much-mechanized equipment and has a very wide global market on standby to purchase.

What position is Nigeria in cocoa production?

Sector information Nigeria is a leading player in the global cocoa industry. We are the fourth largest producer, covering 6.5% share of global production. The production is projected to grow by 4% per annum in coming years. We are, with over 700 million USD, also the fourth largest exporter of cocoa beans worldwide.

Who introduced cocoa to Nigeria?

Squiss Banego
In Nigeria, the position is very similar to that of the Gold Coast. For cocoa is alleged to have been first introduced there by a native chief called “Squiss Banego” in 1874—also from Fernando Po. He established a cocoa farm in the Bonny district and cultivation spread.

How many years does cocoa take to grow?

With proper care, most cocoa trees yield pods by the fourth or fifth year and can continue for another 30 years. A typical pod contains 30 to 40 beans and there are about 30 pods per tree; approximately 400 dried beans are required to make one pound of cocoa.

Who is the largest cocoa producer?

The Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast and Ghana are by far the two largest producers of cocoa, accounting for more than 50 percent of the world´s cocoa.

When was cocoa planted in Nigeria?

Farmers in Ibadan and Egba land began experimenting with planting cocoa in uncultivated forests in 1890 and those in Ilesha started around 1896. The planting of cocoa later spread to Okeigbo and Ondo Town both in Ondo State, Ife and Gbongan in Osun State and also in Ekiti land. Before 1950, there were two main varieties of cocoa planted in Nigeria.

Why is cocoa from Nigeria so popular for blending?

Nigeria’s cocoa is reputed in the world market for its aroma which makes it a great choice for blending with cocoa from other sources. Quality provides opportunity for price differential and, where there is a premium, provides an incentive for the farmer and others in the value chain.

How much does cocoa production contribute to Nigeria’s GDP?

In 2010, cocoa production accounted for only 0.3% of agricultural GDP. Average cocoa beans production in Nigeria between 2000 and 2010 was 389,272 tonnes per year rising from 170,000 tonnes produced in 1999.

What are the different varieties of cocoa beans in Nigeria?

Before 1950, there were two main varieties of cocoa planted in Nigeria. The major one was Amelonado cacao which was imported from the upper Amazon river Basin in Brazil. The second was a heterogeneous strain from Trinidad. The Amelonado pods are green but turning yellow when ripe but the Trinidad variety is red.