Kogi State is taking steps to future-proof its oil palm industry in the face of a changing climate, launching a training programme for farmers focused on climate-smart agricultural techniques.
The initiative, unveiled at a workshop held at the College of Agriculture in Kabba, aims to equip farmers with modern methods to maintain productivity despite unpredictable rainfall and shifting farming seasons.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, the Director of Agricultural Services, Kunle Agbana, underscored the urgency of the training. He highlighted Governor Usman Ododo’s commitment to the agricultural sector, pointing to previous efforts such as the large-scale tractorization of farmland and the distribution of free farming inputs to thousands of farmers.
Mr. Agbana urged farmers to adopt sustainable practices and traceability systems to meet international standards, envisioning a future where Kogi State’s oil palm production is standardized and exportable, driving economic growth.
Adding his perspective, Olusegun Solomon, a Director at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), emphasized the significant economic potential of oil palm, noting that every part of the tree, including the increasingly sought-after palm kernel shells, holds value.
In a tangible demonstration of support, Mr. Solomon announced the distribution of 1,000 improved oil palm seedlings, valued at ₦2.5 million, to farmers in the Kogi West senatorial district. Plans are underway to extend this initiative to Kogi East in the near future.
Moses Olorunnipa, Chairman of the Kogi West Oil Palm Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, hailed the training as a “game-changer” for local farmers and Nigerian youth. He encouraged young people to seize the opportunities within the oil palm industry by investing in processing and harvesting equipment.
The workshop brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including farmers and agricultural experts, to tackle the challenges posed by the evolving climate and its impact on farming practices.
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