Wednesday, September 10, 2014

40,000 palm seedlings distributed to farmers in Imo


A total of 40,000 palm seedlings have been distributed to commercial farmers in Imo State by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture under the Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA).
Supervising the exercise held at Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo in
Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area, a director in the ministry, Mr Clement Iwunze, disclosed that the programme was organised in conjunction with the Imo Ministry of Agriculture.
Iwunze who said the idea is to replace old palm trees with new ones, added that each commercial farmer in the state is expected to receive 450 seedlings, assuring that the replacement of the old trees with new ones will enhance production.
General Manager of Imo Fruit and Palms, MrNnadozieUdensi, noted that the state government had earlier rolled out a programme known as ‘Palm to palm’ where it encouraged people to engage in palm plantation, saying that very soon the state would experience palm revolution.
The National President, Oil Palm Farmers of Nigeria, Igwe Hilary Uche, described the palm seedlings distribution as a veritable programme that should be monitored for its success.
He urged officials of federal and state agricultural ministries to engage the services of agric extension workers to educate farmers on the effective planting and maintenance of palm seedlings for good results, adding, “There are technicalities involved in palm planting and maintenance. If these farmers are not adequately educated and supported, the programme will be a waste.” [DAILY TRUST]

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