The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN), under the leadership of its Acting Executive Director, Dr. Abiodun Rasheed Adedeji, is set to organise a pre-season training on best agricultural practices in cocoa production, as part of efforts to enhance productivity and sustainability within Nigeria’s cocoa sector.

The five-day capacity-building programme will hold from January 26 to 30, 2026, at the Lawrence Opeke Hall, located within the institute’s premises. The training is scheduled to run daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm and is expected to attract cocoa farmers, extension workers, and other key stakeholders in the value chain.

Speaking ahead of the programme, Dr. Adedeji, who will serve as the Chief Host, said the initiative reflects CRIN’s commitment to ensuring that research outcomes translate into tangible benefits for farmers.

“For Nigeria’s cocoa industry to remain competitive, farmers must be equipped with the right knowledge at the right time,” Adedeji said. “This pre-season training is designed to prepare stakeholders ahead of the planting season by exposing them to proven, research-based agricultural practices that can significantly improve yield and quality.”

He noted that the institute, under his leadership, is focused on strengthening the link between scientific research and on-farm application, adding that capacity building remains a critical pillar of CRIN’s mandate.

“Our goal is to empower farmers with practical skills that promote sustainable cocoa production, improve livelihoods, and contribute meaningfully to national economic growth,” he added.

The training programme will cover key areas such as nursery establishment and management, pest and disease control, soil fertility management, climate-smart farming techniques, and post-harvest handling, all aimed at improving productivity and reducing losses.

CRIN officials explained that the timing of the programme, ahead of the cocoa planting season, is strategic, as it allows participants to immediately apply the knowledge gained in their farming activities.

Industry stakeholders have commended the initiative, describing it as a reflection of Dr. Adedeji’s proactive leadership and his commitment to repositioning CRIN as a hub for innovation, farmer education, and sustainable agricultural development.

With this pre-season training, CRIN continues to reinforce its role in driving best practices in cocoa production, while supporting national efforts to revitalise the agricultural sector and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global cocoa market.