In line with the federal government cocoa transformation agenda, Abia state government has flagged off growth enhancement support on cocoa at Ikwuano Local Government Area Council Headquarters.

The flag off exercise which also involve distribution of Ultimax Plus agriculture fungicides to registered cocoa farmers is to enhance development in cocoa sub sector through the adoption and usage of new cocoa varieties and better farm management practices.

Governor Theodore Orji said the move would create wealth and boost the economy as well as drive the development needed in the cocoa sub sector.

He therefore, called on cocoa farmers to embrace this opportunity for effective utilization of inputs and urged all unregistered farmers to visit the collation centers located at Ikwuano LGA, Bende LGA, and Umuahia North LGA.

Due to several factors that include low yield inconsistent production pattern, aging cocoa farmers, disease incidence, pest attack and  neglect on the agriculture sector because of the discovery of petroleum resources

The goals of improved cocoa transformation agenda are to enhance the livelihood about 100,000 farmers by increasing the cocoa yield per hectare as well create employment opportunity by doubling production and increasing processing capacity

Meanwhile about 6,000 hybrid cocoa pod are in Nursery production in Lordu Umuahia to be distributed later to the farmers during the roll out.