In an effort to successfully RAISE 3.5 million oil palm seedlings across five selected Local Government Areas in the state, the Oil Palm Growers Association of Nigeria (OPGAN) collaborated with key stakeholders in the sector to ensure the realization of this ambitious program.
Led by the State OPGAN Chairman, Rev. Ojikpa Njom Bisong, the association’s executive members engaged with critical stakeholders including CRSG, SOLIDARIDA, NPPAN, NIFOR, and other key players to chart the way forward.
During the interactive session, Hon. Johnson Andiambey Ebokpo, Commissioner for Agriculture and Irrigation Development, emphasized the necessity of collaboration to clarify the roles of stakeholders in the oil palm sector. He highlighted the importance of aligning efforts with the vision of His Excellency, Prince Bassey Edet Otu, for the sector’s development.
Decisions made during the deliberations will be documented as a draft agreement, through the efforts of the state attorney general. The commissioner expressed gratitude to all attendees and encouraged constructive feedback to drive successful interactions.
After extensive discussions, resolutions were reached regarding specific responsibilities for SOLIDARIDA, NIFOR, NIPAN, OPGAN, and the State Government to ensure the program’s success:
– 1.5 million oil palm seedlings will be raised in the current farming season, covering 10,000 hectares.
– The development of 3.5 million oil palm seedlings will occur in three phases: 1.5 million in 2024, followed by 1 million each in 2025 and 2026.
– Responsibilities will be shared among key players in the oil palm sector, including the State Government, OPGAN, NIFOR, and SOLIDARIDA.
– Enumeration and seedling development will occur simultaneously to optimize efficiency.
Additionally, the Global Environmental Facility 7 (GEF 7) has initiated farmer enumeration in selected local governments, with NIFOR’s enumerators already active in eight areas.
Specific roles for each stakeholder were defined:
– State Government: Fully fund the seedling-raising process, provide nursery sites and irrigation support, conduct farmer profiling, and supply sprouted nuts and bags for nursery sites.
– OPGAN: Conduct sensitization of oil palm farmers, monitor and evaluate nursery sites, collaborate closely with farmers, and seek marketing solutions.
– NIFOR: Provide sprouted nuts, maintain growing seedlings for one year, train staff and agronomists, and establish nurseries within the specified timeframe.
– SOLIDARIDA: Support farmer enumeration and post-planting activities, pending state government funding.
The meeting concluded with a motion to reconvene at a later date, ensuring ongoing communication and coordination facilitated by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation Development.
©By Ovat Lawrence
