From Magnus Eze, Abuja
The Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) yesterday said that oil palm could drive the economy of about 25 states in Nigeria, if a proper development strategy that would boost production is religiously pursued.
The institute also disclosed that Nigeria has a deficit of about 500,000 metric tonnes of oil palm from its yearly requirement of about 1.2 million metric tonnes.
According to Executive Director of NIFOR, Dr. Omorefe Asemota, the nation has relied on importation to close the gap.
He expressed optimism that the gap could be bridged in a few years, given access to land, simplified and ‘cheap’ funds, large-scale holders and extension workers to reach the farmers and assist in technology application.
Asemota noted that state governments have serious roles to play in achieving this objective, as they control the land and have the capacity to raise oil palm growers.
He, therefore, urged each state to set aside at...
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