Oyo Matters
CRIN @ 60: FG Pledges Support For Research Institutes
As the Cocoa Research Institute, Ibadan, Oyo State marked its 60th anniversary, the Federal Government has pledged more support for research institutions to boost food sufficiency in the country.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari during the 60th anniversary lecture of the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) which was held in Ibadan, Oyo State on Monday.
The Minister, who was represented by the South West Zonal Director of the Ministry, Mrs. Olayinka Akeredolu, while commending the past and present leaders of the institute, disclosed that CRIN has done well as an institution saddled with the responsibility of conducting research to boost improvement in the production of disease free or disease resistant cocoa and that the institute has got the mandate of another five crops based on its achievements.
The five crops, according to the minister includes kola, coffee, cashew and tea throughout the country.
“As the institute takes stock of 60 years of scientific research and looks on to an even brighter future, it’s our desire that the institute will annex the transformative power of technology to improve on research outcome delivery to the industries, who rely on your great institutes research for sectoral growth and development,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Executive Director of CRIN, Dr. Patrick Olusanmi Adebola, while enumerating the achievements of the foremost research institute, stated that the institute has developed early bearing cocoa varieties (Tc1-Tc8 series), 18 months pods bearing after transplanting, which combine high yield (1500-2300kg/ha compared with 500kg/ha on farmers farms), insect pests and disease tolerance and other quality parameters .
“I stand before you with pride to affirm that CRIN has not only met, but consistently surpassed the goals of the founding fathers,” he said.
Dr. Patrick also disclosed that CRIN maintains a robust collection of coffee arabica varieties on the Mambilla Plateau for generic improvement and farmer distribution, ensuring Nigeria’s relevance in the global coffee industry.
The anniversary guest lecturer, the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, Osogbo, Professor Odunayo Clement Adeboye, who was represented by the Director of Center for Pre-.Degree Studies in the university, in his lecture titled; “Tree Crops Research for Development: Key to Nigeria’s Economic Stability and Sustainability,” disclosed that one of the major appeals in investing in tree crops research for development is its potentials to diversify Nigeria’s economy.
“Tree crops are high- value commodities with growing global demand, particularly in the case of cocoa, oil palm and cashew nuts, Nigeria cocoa, for instance, is highly valued in international markets yet the country’s production lags due to out dated farming practices, poor quality seedlings, pests and diseases, and limited access to markets.
“Nigeria can strengthen its position as a leading exporter of tree crop. These shift would generate substantial foreign exchange earnings, reduce dependants on oil revenue, and create resilient income sources for million of farmers.
“Cocoa, cashew and kolanuts are important tree crops that can bring huge economic benefits to the country.
“However, the country has witnessed a steady decline in the yield of these crops and in the quantity produced annually.
“Data obtained from FAOSTAT, the database of the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) for the period 2000 to 2022, indicate that the yield and production of cocoa and cashew nuts in Nigeria declined over the years, particularly from 2010 to 2022,” he said.
The Commissioner for Agric and Forestry in Ondo State, High Chief Olayajo Aribo, in his goodwill message through his representative, the Executive Secretary of Cocoa Revolution and Management Agency, Mr. Omolakin Anthony, commended the leadership and staff of CRIN for creating an avenue for farmers through their research in the area of tree crops production.
Mr. Omolakin however, urged CRIN to ensure the rehabilitation of old cocoa plantations instead of looking for new lands, adding that cocoa seed gardens should be improved upon.
While expressing his satisfaction about the numerous products from cocoa exhibited at the 60th anniversary, Mr. Omolakin hinted that he was so delighted and that the products should be made available in shopping malls all over the country, while also calling for the training and re-training of researchers to boost cocoa production.
“I feel so elated because the products are the future of cocoa beans value chain development to enhance more players, processors, marketers and the rest,” he said.
—Kunle Bakare.
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