News in brief:
– Plateau State Government and the Continental Oil Palm and Agric Services Consortium (COPASC) are working together to establish a 4,000-hectare oil palm plantation.
– The aim is to boost the local economy and contribute to environmental sustainability through carbon sequestration.
Nigeria’s Plateau State Government has joined forces with the Continental Oil Palm and Agric Services Consortium (COPASC) to establish a massive 4,000-hectare oil palm plantation within the state’s borders. This initiative aims to not only boost the local economy but also contribute to environmental sustainability.
The partnership was announced by Hon. Ishaku Samalia Jilemsam, Program Manager of the Plateau Agricultural Development Programme, representing the State Commissioner of Agriculture, Hon. Bugama Samson Ishaku.
Jilemsam highlighted the long-term benefits of oil palm production, in a statement obtained by the press, emphasising that these trees can flourish for over 50 years, providing lasting economic advantages.
He stated that investing in oil palm signifies a commitment to the future and while the initial effort may reach two to three years, the yield extends beyond four decades. This longterm investment can ensure that communities have a sustainable source of income.
Beyond economic gains, the initiative boasts significant environmental advantages. Jilemsam explained that oil palm cultivation acts as a natural carbon sink, contributing to carbon sequestration and aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that target climate change mitigation.
The government acknowledged that sensitisation programs will be essential to generate interest among farmers before distributing seedlings to ensure their active participation and commitment, which is crucial for the project’s success.
Jilemsam also mentioned the importance of securing stable markets for the produced palm oil, emphasising that addressing potential concerns regarding market availability is key for the initiative’s economic viability.
