Abia State Deputy Governor Engr Ikechukwu Emetu has directed CAN,CFAN and all stake holders in production and sales of cocoa in Abia State to abide by the laid down guidelines and policies on cocoa sales and production by the new Abia State Government.
He gave this direction during a meeting with some members of Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria ,Abia state Chapter( CFAN),some members of Cocoa Association of Nigeria(CAN) and major stakeholders in cocoa production and sales at the Conference hall Deputy Governors office , Government house.
He pointed out that the reason for the meeting is to iron out some issues that has to do with cocoa production that seem to be working against govenment laid down guidelines .
Some of the issues discussed include refusal of CAN to apply for grading, threat to life to Abia State cocoa monitoring team members by CAN chairman, refusal of CAN to fumigate and whitewash their ware among other issues.
Emetu charged them to understand that this is a new government with a new policy and a drive to get things right.
He urged them to abide by the guidelines which is geared towards improving the fate of cocoa farmers in Abia state and also generate the right revenue for the state.
He still reiterated that what qualifies one to be a member of CAN is that you must be a fully certified cocoa farmer with a store and an address.
In reaction to some of the highlighted issues against CAN,The CAN Chairman Elder J C Uche, noted that they have never deliberately worked against government guidelines but only insisted that things should be done following the right procedures. Which he opined should be in agreement with other state cocoa policies
He stated that some of the levies they are given seemed irregular and only wanted to make sure the money is paid to the right sources.
Contributing to the discussions, CFAN Chairman Sir John K Kalu ,appreciated the Deputy Governor for having the welfare of cocoa farmers in mind while noting that one of the reason behind smuggling of cocoa in Abia state is because of price inflation by merchant and middlemen.
He therefore urged Abia state government not to relent in their efforts on putting a check on their activities and also in improving on cocoa production in the state.
