THE TRUTH ABOUT INVESTING IN COCOA FARMING IN NIGERIA

I have seen so many posts on the internet, specifically nairaland of how to make so so so profit or millions from cocoa cultivation after 18months. Thats on book! It's not realistic anywhere in Nigeria. There is a huge difference between fruiting of cocoa tree and harvesting of cocoa pods

Sometimes, I keep wondering why people think tree crops farming such as cocoa farming is as easy as buying and selling pure water on the street....Many of the new cocoa farmers keep coming to our office explaining how they have lost millions of naira based on the statistics and information given by theoretical farmers on the internet, most especially on nairaland and you can easily spot this in their write ups.

The truth is that, the real cocoa farmers don't even have time to come online not to talk of having time to be typing lengthening words about how you can make millions from cocoa farming because most of them are illiterates and those that are literate are busy looking for how to increase their yield and also expand their cocoa farm.

From my experience in cocoa farming coupled with my background in Agricultural Economics. No one can break-even with pure cocoa farming even in 5 years considering both the operating and capital costs depending on the hectarage of land.

Presently, i work with the department of Tree crops in Ogun State Ministry of Agriculture and have consulted for so many cocoa farms but I'm yet to see any one break-even in 5 years not to talk of 18 months or 3 years that most of our "book farmers" and also cocoa seedlings seller will told you.

Have come to realised that some don't even know how to determine if cultivating a tree crops such as cocoa is profitable not to talk of preparing the cash flow analysis. The bitter truth is if you use only book or information on internet to start your cocoa farm you will also harvest your cocoa inside the book and on internet.

There are so many economic analytic tools you can used to actually determine if investing in cocoa farming warrant a monetary investment and part of it is the break-even analysis, benefit cost ratio, internal rate of return, net present value and profitability index. Each economic tool served a unique purpose with interpretation.

For those interested in investing in cocoa farming, i will advice you carry out your feasibility studies within the geographical location you intend to set up your cocoa farm (on the field) not on the internet, then sit down and prepare a comprehensive business plan for your cocoa farm before you venture into it.

However, you must note the following:
- Don't ever plan to cultivate cocoa farm on a family land or rent land.......You will regret that decision later.

- If you are looking for a quick money return business...dont go in to cocoa farming.

- Don't borrow money from bank to start a cocoa farm. You will regret it.

- If you don't have at least little passion for farming don't go into cocoa farming at all.

You must however note that planting cocoa tree is like planting money because Its not just a farm but an asset that will outlast someone's life time.

You can contact me on for any advice on Tree crops such as cocoa, cashew, citrus, oil palm etc.
Thanks.

How do i contact you?

Regards,

check my signature under my post Sir