The Federal Government on Saturday in Abuja charged Nigerians to preserve the coconut sector for present and future generations.
Dr Ernest Umakhihe, Permanent Secretary at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, gave the charge at the commemoration the 2023 World Coconut Day.
Coconut, he said, is a source of nutrition, a versatile crop and a source of sustainable livelihood for millions.
The World Coconut Day is commemorated annually on Sept. 2. The theme for 2023 is: “Sustaining the Coconut Sector for the Present and Future Generations.”
Umakhihe said there was the need to preserve the sector; adopt sustainable practices; invest in research and support smallholder farmers.
He said Nigeria could earn huge foreign exchange from coconut by ensuring that the tree of life continued to flourish.
He stressed that the coconut industry could create millions of jobs and help to address insecurity youths restiveness.
Umakhihe urged stakeholders to ensure sustainability of the sector and work toward technology transfer to bridge the skills gap in the coconut value chain.
“In Nigeria coconut production has been an integral part of our cultural heritage for centuries, offering food, fibre and shelter.
“To ensure the long-term viability of the coconut sector, we must adopt sustainable farming practices, revamp old grooves with improved seedlings, manage water efficiently and increase the use of organic fertiliser.
“By so doing, we will safeguard our environment and also ensure a steady supply of high-quality coconuts,” he said.
Umakhihe added that the ministry had been distributing improved seeds and seedlings, agro-chemicals and growth enhancers to coconut farmers free of charge.
He was represented at the occasion by Mrs Aisha Aliyu, Desk Officer, Coconut Value Chain in the ministry.
