Adopt ‘PPMTD model’ to reposition oil palm sector- stakeholders tasks FG
Stakeholders in the oil palm sector have called on the the Federal Government to adopt the Production, Processing, Marketing, Technology and Development, tagged “PPMTD Model” to reposition the oil palm sector with a view to revamping the economy.
The model is said to be an award winning one which has been alluded to by the international development partner.
This was the advice of stakeholders to the Federal Government at a one-Day Interactive meeting to harvest the inputs over the weekend.
Making his presentation, the National President, National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NPPAN), represented by the National Vice President, Hon Harrison Okpamen called for the adoption and implementation of the strategic plan on oil palm sector development designed to make Nigeria a net exporter of palm oil in the next five years.
He expressed the readiness of NPPAN to collaborate with government, development partners and private sector as well as stakeholders to reposition the nation to the highest producer of oil palm.
Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of industry, Trade and Investment, represented by Prince Akeredolu Toyin Johnson, affirmed the importance of the sector which she stated could create several millions of jobs.
The minister reeled out several other things to put in place among which include; embracing modern agricultural practices, exploring the environmentally and friendly practices that minimizes the ecological footprints.
She said the Tinubu administration is resolute and committed to leveraging the industrial sector to diversify the economy where she said the country has a comparative advantage on.
The immediate past Special Assistant to the late Governor Akeredolu who also doubles as the coordinator of the Red Gold project, Pastor Akin Olotu advised on the need to restructure the Bank of Industry so that regional offices can be strengthened to release loans.
Olotu who called the President of the nation to emulate Ondo state project in oil palm said adopting production was the only way out rather than being theoretical.
Dr Emmanuel Awelewa from the J B farms charged the stakeholders to look into the problem of agriculture.
“When you look at Nigeria’s land, 80% of it is arable and we have comparative advantage in several states especially in south south and southwestern states that can grow Agriculture, that can grow oil palm, so there is a need to aggregate what NPPAN is doing here by going into farm settlement.”
He raised the need for reorientation of the old farming practices as he pointed to climate change for people to embark on sustainable and climate smart oil palm production system.
This, he emphasized, require training of farmers which he said is the only way to get value for what is being produced.
Asuju Oba, Mr Henry Olatujoye observed underfunding of NIFOR, saying the solution was to give them fund to restart or be handed over to stakeholders if government can no longer fund them.
He urged government to provide input for farmers at a highly subsidized rates rather than given palliative which does not have any impact or effect on the people.
The representative of the FCMB bank, Mr Damilare Onasanya, said stakeholders should leverage on the powers of their numbers and existing big players to be able to attract financing from developmental institutions in addition to the banks.
The Ondo state Chamber of Commerce , Industries and Agriculture represented by the Vice President, Hon. Lanke Bakare, clamoured for provision of required mill to help harness all resources in place.
The Chairman of the Governing Board of the Red Goal project, Chief Abiodun Adejo reiterated the ability of palm plantation to feed Nigeria and this could be achieved if the industry is developed.
He said government should give them a standard mill at the three senatorial districts to make it easier and better for them to excel.
