Society

Gov’t unveils scheme to offer special subsidy to cocoa farmers.

by Morine Tanyi
16 Apr 2026 20:05
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Gabriel Mbairobé, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development

Government has through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, has unveiled a special subsidy programme aimed at supporting cocoa farmers across the country.
The call for registration to the subsidy is contained in a communique signed recently by the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbairobe.

The programme, the release noted, is part of efforts to cushion the impact of fluctuating cocoa prices globally.

According to the release, a nationwide census of cocoa farmers has been launched to identify eligible beneficiaries.

The initiative targets approximately 13,650 cocoa producers who will receive financial support following the selection process.

The minister stated that the move responds to growing concerns over declining cocoa prices on the international market, which have significantly affected farmers’ incomes.

The subsidy, the statement noted, could be described as a direct support measure rather than a loan. The subsidy is expected to range between 500,000 FCFA to 5,000,000 FCFA per cocoa farm.

The amount allocated to each beneficiary, it stated will depend on several factors, including the farmer’s profile, the size of the plantation, the age of the farm, and its geographical location.

To apply, farmers are required to submit a valid national identity card along with a formal request addressed to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.

Applications must be sent exclusively via email to a designated government address, with applicants providing personal details such as names, residence, contact information, and specifics about their cocoa farms.

The deadline for submission has been set for April 15. The process for application, the statement added is entirely free of charge at all stages, warning applicants against any form of fraud or unauthorised fees.

The member of government went further to explain that following the review of applications, selected candidates will be contacted directly and officials may undergo field verification by designated teams before the final list of beneficiaries will be published in due course.

The minister reiterated that the programme is part of efforts to strengthen the cocoa sector and improve the livelihoods of farmers, who remain central to country’s agricultural economy.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3759 of Monday April 13, 2026