IAR says Cocoa, kola nut can grow in the North

Dr. Uthman Arunah

A scientist at the Department of Agronomy of the Institute of Agricultural Institute (IAR), Samaru, Zaria, Dr. Uthman Arunah has said that cocoa and kola nut could be successfully cultivated in the northern part of the country when best agronomic practices are applied.  He said this at the cocoa and kola nut orchard of the Institute where the two crops are being monitored for trial.

Dr. Arunah said a shady environment, with mulching could be created for the protection of these crops against water evaporation and harsh sun, since they do well in a well watered ecology.   

Culturally, cocoa and kola nut are southern cash crops that are traditionally believed could only do well  in the region, but with this trial at IAR, according to Arunah, there is great indication that the two crops would soon be cultivated in the Northern region as soon as all observation are completed.

Said he, “Cocoa is a tree crop that thrives well where there is adequate water and as you know, water is not that plentiful in this region. It is really a challenge. Since we have discovered this very important requirement for cocoa to flourish, what we did is that we always watered the seeds both in the morning and night.

He disclosed that the team also apply mulching materials to reduce the amount of evaporation transmission which means an artificial environment is created where these cocoa and kola nut seedlings are planted with jack fruits that have very big tall trees and green leaves providing shady and cool environment throughout the year, both in rainy and dry seasons.

Continuing, he said: “Also, we apply the right pesticide against flies and other insects for the healthy growth of the crops. We also apply more of organic manual as fertilizer because it has ability to return more waters than inorganic ones. You need to know that all the seedlings planted are got from Cocoa Research Institute (CRIN), in the South; it was not an improved variety from the North. They are sourced from the South. But the kola nut just like the cocoa, are being sprayed with pesticide and fertilizer application.”