In an attempt to boost agriculturral development in Akwa Ibom state, the Paramount Ruler of ONNA Local Government Area, Edidem Raymond Inyang has inaugurated the pilot phase of the Oil Palm Mega Seed Project.
Addressing farmers in a one day training at Ibom Intergrated Farms, Awa Ndon, Edidem Inyang pointed out the transformative potential of the oil palm industry in achieving food sufficiency.
He noted that this initiative is a key component of the Five-Year Development Plan for the NNPC/MPN JV EMOIMME Host Community Development Trust, as identified in the Needs Assessment Survey.
The four key aspects of the Pilot Phase feature seedling distribution where oil palm seedlings will be provided free of charge to farmers.
Another key aspect is economic empowerment which aims at fostering a consistent cash flow for participating individuals.
The third key aspect has to do with Community Oversight where Local communities will oversee the planting process to prevent a resale of seedlings.
While the last aspect is the the Individual Ownership where participants will have personal ownership of the oil palm plants.
The Paramount Ruler emphasized that distribution of seedlings will be based on individual interest and land availability, rather than by village.
“This phase focuses on the Awa Afaha Clan, with an open invitation for other ONNA clans to replicate the model to enhance their financial well-being”
“As the Clan Head of Awa Afaha and Paramount Ruler of ONNA, I am committed to leading by example to ensure we capitalize on the planting season,” stated Edidem Inyang.
The training workshop’s featured esteemed experts in plantation agriculture who outlined the benefits of the program and the sequential activities designed to promote financial stability for participants.
It was disclosed that the oil palms are expected to begin yielding within three years, promising substantial oil and kernel production.
To disseminate the knowledge effectively, two individuals from each of the ten villages in the Awa Afaha Clan were chosen as facilitators. This approach ensures that the core units of the community—the families—receive the necessary guidance.
The workshop concluded with a comprehensive tour of the nursery, showcasing over twenty thousand oil palm seedlings, followed by a hands-on planting demonstration.
mxkbtb