Farmers have been charged to make Cocoa institute of Nigeria their refuge homes, as adequate materials to facilitate the growth of crops are available for procurement.
The Executive director of Cocoa research institute of Nigeria, Ibadan Dr Patrick Adebola made this statement at the annual in-house research review held at cocoa research institute of Nigeria, Ibadan.
Cocoa research institute of Nigeria established 1st December 1964 with its primary mandate of conducting research and providing scientific expertise to support the cocoa industry in Nigeria while providing farmers with better produce which in turn will better serve the country, held it’s annual in- house research review program.
This year’s annual research review focused on “Varietal development of cocoa, kola, coffee, cashew and tea for sustainable circular economic growth in Nigeria”.
The Executive Director of cocoa research institute of Nigeria, Ibadan Dr. Patrick Adebola in his welcome address highlighted the need for the researchers to present their projects to enable them have better funding which in turn will be beneficial to farmers and the society at large.
The Executive Secretary of Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria, Professor Garuba Sharubutu emphasized on the need for researchers to identify the leading factors causing food scarcity in the country in order for them to address.
In their separate remarks, A lecturer from department of cell, Genetics and Biology University of Lagos Professor Joseph Minari and the Executive Director of Johnvent industry Dr Yemisi Shittu highlighted the need for researchers to have a clear and concise project and the need to dwell on existing problems that can provide existing solutions to the problems faced in the Agricultural sector.
Other Stakeholders who spoke at the programme included Oyo State Chairman National coffee and tea Association of Nigeria, Alhaji Saliu Imam and former staff of the cocoa research institute of Nigeria, Dr. Oladotun Idowu emphasized the need for farmers to increase their productivity in order for the country to have enough products for consumption and exportation.The in-house research Review program had participants drawn from all over the country.