Cocoa farmers affected by inferno seek improved seedlings, grant

Cocoa farmers in Cross River State whose plantations were ravaged by fire in March last year have appealed for improved seedlings, chemical boosters and grants to enable them revive their farms.

One of the affected farmers, Richard Nsan, whose plantations and nurseries were completely destroyed, said the grant, super grow chemical and improved variety seedlings will help to rehabilitate and expand their farms.

Recalling how the incident happened, Nsan explained that one retired soldier called Mpama, in a bid to cultivate his yam farm, set a bushfire which spread about one kilometer and got his farm burnt at Akparabong Community in Ikom LGA of the state.

“The fire has caused me real pains and the man has not bothered to call to apologize. I spent five years before I was able to set up that farm which was gutted by fire. I am very angry but I am not a violent person.

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“I feel so pained because I used to travel 200km at regular intervals to work on the farm with several hired workers.

“I spent millions of Naira to ensure that the plantation stands, unfortunately all my life savings and fortune are gone down the drain due to the bush fire.”