The Federal Government has inaugurated the 2021 coconut planting season nationwide.
At the ceremony in Abuja, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Mariam Katagum said Coconut Farming had the potential to increase the nation’s Gross Domestic Product,GDP, hence the need for rapid plantation during this Raining season.
“Coconut is a commodity with lots of economic, medicinal and nutritional value and the market for it in Nigeria is huge. Unfortunately, the local supply can only meet about 20% of the demand, hence the need to urgently address the supply side constraints”
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry who was represented by the Director,Human Resources, Mr. Samuel Alabi also stressed the need for planting at least three Coconut trees in each household towards changing the Position of Nigeria among Coconut producing Nations and diversifying the economy.
The President, National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria,Mrs Nma Okoroji solicited the support of the Government and other Stakeholders in the value Chain towards harnessing resources inherent in Coconut to boost the Economy.
Highlights of the event were presentation of Awards and planting of Coconut Seedlings in the premises of the Ministry.
RADIO NIGERIA