The Cocoa Produce Buyers Association (CPBA) in Ife-South Local Government Area of Osun State, has alleged persistent stealing of cocoa produce and shady cocoa dealings by unregistered members in the area.

This is contained in a statement by the Vice-Chairman of the association, on Wednesday in Ile-Ife, Mukaila Olawuyi.

Mr Olawuyi said the growing insecurity and rising cases of cocoa theft across villages and towns within the local government area had been affecting their operations and businesses.

He said the association had also noticed that substandard cocoa beans were being traded in the market.

According to him, a report from the association’s task force revealed that cocoa stock purchased around several villages was allegedly mixed with raw cocoa beans.

He said such practice lowers the quality of cocoa and damages the reputation of local produce.

Mr Olawuyi said that only Grade 1 and 2 cocoa beans meet the standard required by exporters, while urging all members to maintain the quality levels.

He, however, said the association would be putting in place countermeasures to promote transparency and curb the activities of unscrupulous persons.

He said, “We intend to put a ban on the purchase of wet cocoa beans, as well as buying cocoa during late hours of the day.  We also plan to stop the use of measuring bows for measurement instead of standard kilogrammes. In addition, we also intend to restrict night-time transportation of dried or wet cocoa beans.’’

He, therefore, called on local, state, and federal governments to support the association’s efforts in tackling insecurity and the trade of substandard cocoa.

Mr Olawuyi also appealed for agriculture empowerment initiatives for youth, the elderly, produce buyers, and farmers to strengthen the agricultural sector.

He emphasised that Nigeria remains one of the largest cocoa-producing countries in the world.

 (NAN)