The Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) continued its pre-season training on best agricultural practices in cocoa production on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at the Lawrence Opeke Hall. The programme brought together cocoa farmers, farm managers, extension agents, and supervisors to strengthen their skills across the cocoa value chain.

Day two of the training featured modules on responsible pesticide usage, identification and management of major cocoa diseases in Nigeria, and primary processing of cocoa. The sessions were led by CRIN’s team of experts, including extensionists, soil scientists, plant breeders, agronomists, entomologists, and pathologists, who provided both theoretical knowledge and practical guidance for sustainable cocoa production.

Participants engaged actively with the facilitators, asking questions on crop protection, disease prevention, and post-harvest handling. The disease management session focused on recognizing and controlling key cocoa diseases prevalent across the country, while the primary processing module emphasized proper fermentation, drying, and storage techniques to ensure high-quality beans suitable for both local and international markets.

The hands-on nature of the training allowed participants to immediately apply lessons learned, combining scientific insight with practical field applications. Each session concluded with interactive discussions, enabling stakeholders to clarify technical challenges and gain actionable strategies for improving cocoa productivity.

“CRIN continues to provide the tools, expertise, and guidance that stakeholders need to succeed in cocoa production,” said Dr. Adedeji, Ag. Executive Director of CRIN.

The ongoing training underscores CRIN’s commitment to translating research into tangible impact, supporting farmers and value chain stakeholders, and promoting sustainable, high-quality cocoa production that meets global standards. Through initiatives like this, the Institute aims to strengthen Nigeria’s cocoa sector and enhance profitability, traceability, and environmental stewardship.