Which state in Nigeria is the highest producer of cocoa?

Which state in Nigeria is the highest producer of cocoa?

Ondo state is the largest producer of cocoa in Nigeria. The state records an output capacity estimated at 77,000 tons per annum.

Who brought 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.

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.

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.

How long does it take for a cocoa tree to grow?

about 5 years
It takes about 5 years (from seed) for a cacao tree to grow mature and start producing cacao pods. The beans grow in football-shaped pods on the trunk of the tree and from larger branches. The average cacao tree produces 30-40 cacao pods a year.

How profitable is cocoa farming in Nigeria?

This study assessed the profitability of cocoa farms in Nigeria’s largest cocoa producing state and ascertained their profitability determinants. Results showed that cocoa production is profitable with mean profit of US$10342.93. The determinants were labour, capital, seedlings planted and household size.

How many times a year are cocoa beans harvested?

There are two main harvests a year which coincide with the rainy seasons; the largest, around November and then a second harvest in spring in April. Cocoa trees do not start bearing beans until they are around three years old and with their most fertile period being between ten to twelve years of age.

Where can I sell cocoa in Nigeria?

Nigeria Cocoa Dealers and Suppliers

• 1Cocoa Association of Nigeria. RB 2, Ondo State Industrial Park Ilesha Benin Expressway, Akure, Ondo State Nigeria.
• 2Tripplesea Limited. 4 Bashiru Oweh Street, Ikeja, Lagos State Nigeria.
• 3BOS Natural Resources Limited.
• 4Omjas Farm.
• 5Usha Cooperative.

How much does a cocoa farmer earn?

The study, published today by Fairtrade and available here, found that the average annual Ivorian cocoa farmer household income grew from $2,670 USD in 2016/17 to $4,937 USD in 2020/21, an increase of 85% driven, in part, by increased revenue from cocoa sales and diversification through in-kind and off-farm incomes.

How many times can cocoa be harvested in a year?

With care, most cacao trees begin to yield pods at peak production levels by the fifth year, which can continue for another 10‒20 years. Ripe pods may be found on cacao trees at any time, however, most countries have 2 periods of time per year of peak production.

How long does cocoa take to grow?

Cocoa trees are only likely to flower when they’re four to six years old and about five feet tall, and during this time they need to be grown in optimal conditions. After this, it then takes five to six months for the cacao pods to ripen from the pollinated flowers.

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.

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.

What are the conditions required for cocoa farming?

The farmer must locate a large expanse of good land with the appropriate climate conditions and with a good steady rainfall supply. Of course, the farmer must invest in good quality, disease-resistant, and high-yielding cocoa beans for planting. Cocoa farming can only be done under very specific climate conditions.