By Nelson Ekujumi
With Agriculture as one of the five pillars of the ISEYA mantra of the Prince Dapo Abiodun administration, the Ijebu East LG has embarked in the nursery and breeding of hybrid palm oil seedlings that is now ready for planting.
According to the Supervisor for Agriculture and Natural Resources in the local government, Kunle Adesanya, it was the decision of the Council Boss, Hon. Oyesanya Adetutu Elizabet, to diversify the revenue sources of the LG and contribute to the ongoing efforts by the government at the federal and state levels to enhance food security.
Adesanya explained further: “Our Chairman is only following in the good steps of our leader, Prince Dapo Abiodun in the area of agriculture and food security and to make high quality and disease resistant seedlings with shorter gestation period available to our farmers at cheaper prices.
“It will be recalled that Agriculture is one of the major revenue generation sources for the Local Government according to the 2024 budget as presented by the Chairman of the Local Government before the Legislature last year.
“The provision of 2000 pieces Hybrid Terena Oil Palm Seedlings to the general public at affordable price, is therefore a mission accomplished
“No doubt that oil palm is a viable investment because it can be sourced at ease, the production technology is simple and feasible, and the market for end-products are automatic considering the geographical location of the Local Government as provisions and availability of the seedlings for farmers will have a direct impact on the development of the rural/agriculture sector.
Tenera oil palm seedlings are hybrid oil palm variety. This hybrid oil palm variety has an incredibly high yield compared to palm seedlings, Tenera oil palm seedling yields more.
Tenera oil palm variety starts fruiting after three years of transplanting to the field. If well watered, this hybrid oil palm seedling can fruit within a period about three years.
The palm oil produced from this variety is preferred by food and chemical manufacturers.
“No doubt that oil palm is a viable investment because it can be sourced at ease, the production technology is simple and feasible, and the market for end-products are automatic considering the geographical location of the Local Government as provisions and availability of the seedlings for farmers will have a direct impact on the development of the rural/agriculture sector.
“The Local Government knowing the significance of investing in Palm which includes that a lot of investors are now establishing oil palm plantation because there is automatic market for palm products is trying to catching up with the market demand for seedlings and has delved into making it available for the people.
“The sale/availability of the Hybrid Seedlings will no doubt improve the revenue generation of the Local Government this is because it is highly profitable. The seedlings are highly reliable especially for those who are into Palm farming in the Local Government and it environs. It is a better alternative and chain of investment because long span income generation is guaranteed.”