From Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Group of coconut farmers Wednesday urged the Osun State government to collaborate and support their initiative to cultivate 10,000 acres of land for coconut production that can provide job security for 500,000 youths.
Speaking at a capacity building seminar for farmers in Osogbo, National Coordinator, Knowledge is Power Coconut Growers and Processor Association of Nigeria, Pastor Adewumi Adeyemi, in his keynote address, said the project will create at least 500,000 jobs, ranging from cultivation to value-added product development.
Adeyemi said the gesture, which would create job security, will reduce crime among youths in the state.
According to him, “With 10,000 acres of land, we expect to create at least 500,000 jobs, from coconut cultivation to value-added product development. When there is job security in any state, banditry, kidnapping and other forms of criminality will reduce drastically.
“As the name of our organisation implies, knowledge is power and it is only when you acquire knowledge that you can disseminate information about it.
“Coconut farming will boost the economy of the state. Today’s seminar is about capacity building and we believe that initially, we need to build structures and prepare to collaborate with the state government for partnership. Through this project, we aim to create job opportunities for young generations.
‘My advice to the general public is to consider farming, alongside other livelihoods. Planting coconut, in addition to yam, cassava, and maize, can earn us a good living.
“The leaders are knowledgeable about this crop and we can help the state government establish a Coconut Development Association, which can generate significant internal revenue and boost its revenue. Coconut products have immense potentials.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr Maruf Olawale, who was represented Mr Olatunbosun Idris expressed concern that Nigerians have overlooked the immense benefits of coconut.
He disclosed the vast potentials of coconut, drawing comparisons with cocoa, a crop that has been widely utilised in the country.
He lamented that despite coconut’s potentials, Nigeria has failed to tap into its opportunities.
Meanwhile, chairman and organiser of the seminar, Jayeoba Alagbada stated that coconut farming is one of the most lucrative cash crops across the globe.
Alagbada noted that every farmer will benefit from this opportunity through access to loans from the Bank of Agriculture and Bank of Industry.
Alagbada urged participants of the maiden seminars to work assiduously to ensure coconut plantation.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the State Coordinator, Comrade Bisi Olaniyan, commended the national chapter for organising the mid-edition seminar in the state, which brings together, experts, farmers and stakeholders to share knowledge and best practices in the coconut industry.
