The Enugu State Government has teamed up with WhiteRabbit Agro Limited, a private investor, to establish a 20-hectare cocoa plantation in Nkanu East Local Government Area.
This ambitious project aims to position the state as a major cocoa producer and processor, contributing to Governor Peter Mbah’s goal of achieving a $30 billion Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the state.
The announcement was made by the state’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Agro-Industrialisation, Patrick Ubru, during a press briefing in Enugu on Monday. He explained that the pilot plantation is just the beginning, with plans to expand the initiative to five neighboring local government areas—Nkanu West, Isi-Uzo, Oji-River, Aninri, and Awgu—due to their similar soil and topographic conditions. “We aim to establish at least 100 hectares of cocoa plantations in each of these areas,” Ubru said, emphasizing the state’s commitment to encouraging farmers to embrace large-scale cocoa farming.
WhiteRabbit Agro Limited, the project partner, is already cultivating 100,000 high-yielding, early-maturing cocoa varieties sourced from the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) in Ibadan. The cocoa nursery is located in the Amaechi Idodo community within Nkanu East. “At today’s international market rate, one tonne of cocoa fetches $10,500, equivalent to about N16.3 million,” Ubru noted, underscoring the economic potential of the initiative. “Governor Mbah tasked us with developing cocoa farming, and we’re pursuing it with full determination, collaborating with all stakeholders.”
Beyond cocoa production, the commissioner highlighted his personal efforts, including operating cocoa and palm nurseries on his farm, with plans for large-scale expansion. “This is a golden opportunity for Enugu residents to tap into agro-business, earn a living, and grow the state’s economy,” he said. Ubru expressed confidence that these agricultural advancements would not only meet but exceed the $30 billion GDP target, driving further development across the state.
To support this vision, the ministry is offering guidance, agricultural extension services, and high-yield seedlings for cocoa, palm, cashew, and other crops. “We’re open to partnerships with individuals, corporate organizations, cooperatives, multinationals, and even other government entities interested in joining this cocoa initiative or any agricultural venture,” Ubru added.
Infrastructure is also being upgraded to facilitate the project’s success. Ubru pointed to ongoing developments at the cargo section of Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu, which will soon enable the export of fresh, organic farm produce to global markets. “With these efforts, we’re ensuring farmers get it right, contribute to the state’s economy, and reap profits,” he concluded.
