Abia Distributes Oil Palm Seedlings

The Abia State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Ike Onyenweaku, has said that the state has commenced the distribution of oil palm seedlings to assist smallholder farmers in the sector.

Onyenweaku, who made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Umuahia, said the exercise was to boost oil palm production in the state.

“The gesture is meant to assist smallholder farmers in oil palm production as well as encourage increased participation in agriculture, particularly in oil palm production.’’

Onyenweaku explained that the government had set up an oil palm transformation committee to harness the production of the crop in the state.

According to him, the committee will ensure “‘proper documentation of smallholder farmers across the state’.

“The purpose for the documentation is to aid government in the distribution process and loan disbursement to target groups.’’

The commissioner also said that no fewer than 900 palm seedlings had been fully developed for planting and replacement of old varieties in the wild groove.

Onyenweaku commended the Federal Government for creating the necessary awareness and sensitisation of Nigerians on the opportunities that abound in oil palm production.

He, therefore, enjoined the people of the state to take full advantage of the state and Federal Government’s commitment to the development of the sector.