To increase productivity, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (FMAFS) gave 14,633 hybrid coconut seedlings to farmers in five states on Tuesday.
Nigerian states Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Akwa-Ibom, and Kogi benefited.
The ministry stated that the five largest coconut-producing states were carefully chosen as beneficiaries due to their optimal production, and further stated that other producing states would soon receive benefits.
Sen. Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, claimed in a keynote speech that the distribution of coconut seedlings was intended to lessen the impact of the flooding in 2022.
The development and profitability of the nation’s coconut industry will be aided by the event, he continued.
Mrs. Omolara Oguntuyi, Director, FMAFS, Lagos State office, acted as the minister’s representative.
“The Nigerian coconut industry has enormous potential to spur economic expansion, improve food security, and advance sustainability.
“Among the crops that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security is promoting is the coconut value chain.
“We imagine a time when Nigeria’s coconut production is not only self-sufficient but also dominates the world market.
I urge our coconut producers to seize this chance with excitement and tenacity, she remarked as we distributed the seeds.
She praised the coconut producers’ efforts and pushed them to expand the market.
“Your unflinching dedication to caring for these palms, frequently in difficult circumstances, particularly during the flooding period, has helped to the improvement of our country’s economy and food security.
“In addition to the seedlings, the government is dedicated to giving you the support, training, and resources you need to optimise your potential for growing coconuts.
Together, she continued, “we will create a thriving coconut industry that benefits farmers and raises the standard of living for countless Nigerians.”
The general manager of the Lagos State Coconut Development Authority, Mr. Oladapo Olakulehin, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding the coconut industry and enhancing its value chain in his remarks.
“This event represents an important turning point in our ongoing efforts to increase food and nutrition security in Lagos State and across the nation by boosting agricultural productivity.
“I want to thank FMAFS for its dedication to helping our coconut farmers, especially in light of the serious concerns that floods caused to our agricultural industry.
“We are dedicated to guaranteeing a greener, healthier, and more economically viable Lagos State for all of its citizens, as well as a sustainable and profitable future for our coconut growers.
“FMAFS’s distribution of enhanced coconut seedlings today is a resounding example of the beneficial effects of teamwork in safeguarding the prosperity of our coconut farmers.
“These seedlings, tailored to thrive in our local conditions, will empower small-holder coconut farmers to increase their yields, improve the quality of their produce, and ultimately elevate their economic status,” Olakulehin stated. (NAN)
