C/River urges merchants to set up cocoa plant

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, James Aniyom, made the call when the Cocoa Association of Nigeria met with him to resolve grievances over non-compliance with cocoa export tax. Aniyom said they should make plans to have a cocoa processing plant as a way out of the present problem facing the cocoa industry.He told them that […]

The state Commissioner for Agriculture, James Aniyom, made the call when the Cocoa Association of Nigeria met with him to resolve grievances over non-compliance with cocoa export tax.
Aniyom said they should make plans to have a cocoa processing plant as a way out of the present problem facing the cocoa industry.
He told them that the cocoa farmers and merchants stand to benefit much more than the government if such a plant was established in the state as it would yield them extra and multiple income and boost employment.
“When that plant is established, you the farmers will process your cocoa here and would not readily need to export it to foreign countries to process and send back as chocolate, coffee and other by products to us to buy”, he stressed.
Aniyom who frowned at how cocoa farmers took to the streets in protest last week, said the state government was ready to address the issue of non- compliance which is the bone of contention, but appeal to CAN to first see themselves as Cross Riverians.
He emphasised the  importance of CAN paying tax or levy to government when necessary.
Mr. Siana Rima, National President of CAN, praised the effort of government towards resolving the issue of non-compliance, and hoped that with the ongoing dialogue, the outcome would be fruitful.
Obviously referring to the cocoa processing plant, Mr. Rima noted that CAN has always partnered with government over the years to develop the economy, adding that the association would continue to do so for the general interest of all Cross Riverians.
The Member representing Etung LGA in the Cross River State House of Assembly and also Chairman, House Committee on Agriculture, Hon. Ogisa Okongo, called on CAN and cocoa farmers to come to a compromise with the state government for a lasting peace to prevail and be ready to key into the policies of government for the general interest of the people and cocoa farmers in particular.