The Kogi State Government has launched a climate-resilient oil palm training initiative aimed at equipping farmers with modern techniques to combat climate change and improve productivity.
Held at the College of Agriculture, Ahmadu Bello University, Kabba, the program was inaugurated by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Timothy Ojoma, represented by the Director of Agricultural Services, Kunle Agbana.
Ojoma emphasized the urgency of adopting climate-smart practices in response to erratic rainfall and shifting farming seasons.
He reiterated Governor Usman Ododo’s commitment to agricultural development, noting achievements like the tractorization of over 8,000 hectares of farmland and the provision of inputs to 88,000 farmers, with plans to reach 16,000 hectares this year.
Farmers were encouraged to implement sustainable and traceable farming systems to meet global standards and boost exports.
Also speaking, Olusegun Solomon of the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) highlighted the industry’s potential for job creation and economic growth.
He announced the distribution of 1,000 improved oil palm seedlings worth ₦2.5 million to farmers in Kogi West, with Kogi East set to benefit next.
Chairman of the Kogi West Oil Palm Multi-Purpose Cooperative Society, Moses Olorunnipa, described the initiative as a turning point for local farmers and urged youths to invest in the oil palm value chain.
The training brought together farmers, stakeholders, and experts to strategize on mitigating climate-induced agricultural challenges.
