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From Bamigbola Gbolagunte, Akure
Johnvents Group has distributed over 266,000 cocoa seedlings and 6000 shade tree seedlings to farmers in 11 cocoa-producing states of the country.
The indigenous agribusiness and manufacturing company said it is committed to driving sustainable growth across the entire agricultural value chain from production, processing, manufacturing and distribution.
The seedlings were distributed to the farmers in preparation for the planting season that is fast approaching.
Speaking on behalf of the company, the Sustainability Country Lead of the company, Ebenezer Kehinde said the initiative was part of the company’s ongoing commitment to regenerative agriculture, executed through ‘Project Nourished Crop, Better Farmer,’ a programme designed to rehabilitate, regenerate and replant cocoa farms to ensure long term growth and improved productivity.
He explained that the primary goal of the distribution is to prepare farmers for the upcoming rainy season, which is critical for the planting and regeneration of cocoa crops.
Kehinde disclosed that Johnvents Group has continued to advance its long term strategy of supporting 150,000 cocoa farmers across 300,000 hectares of farmland by 2030.
The beneficiaries of the gesture numbering over 9000 farmers were drawn from the cocoa producing regions, including Cross River, Ondo, Osun, Ekiti, Ogun, Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
Giving the breakdown of the distribution, Kehinde said 61,000 seedlings were distributed in Ikom, Cross River; 50,000 seedlings in both Idanre and Oda, Ondo State; 20,000 seedlings in Owo and 10,000 seedlings in Ile-Oluji, Ondo State; 5,000 seedlings in Ila, Osun State; 15,000 seedlings each in Ekiti and Ogun states; 20,000 seedlings in Ile-Ife, Osun State; 10,000 seedlings in Akwa Ibom and Abia states.
He said: “This initiative is part of our yearly commitment to the farming community. As we approach the rainy season, it’s crucial that our farmers are fully equipped.
“This seedling distribution provides them with the essential tools, including seedlings, farm seeds and sustainable farming practices to help boost their productivity for the season ahead.
“This distribution is a vital step towards advancing the group’s objectives of regenerative farming, with an emphasis on both cocoa and shade trees.
“By introducing shade trees alongside cocoa plants, Johnvents is fostering an environment where farmers can increase their yields, while maintaining a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to farming.
“These efforts play an integral role in enhancing food security, improving farmer livelihoods and contributing to the overall growth of the global cocoa industry.
“As part of its long-term sustainability vision, the group will continue expanding its efforts with additional seedling distributions planned in the coming months.
“Through collaborative partnerships with farmers and industry stakeholders, Johnvents remains dedicated to driving lasting change in the cocoa sector and strengthening the foundation for a globally competitive agricultural value chain,” he added.
