PIND Foundation holds workshop on oil palm seeds linkage

The Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) and the Market Development Project in the Niger Delta (MADE) yesterday held a workshop aimed at improving linkage and interaction between sprouted nut producers (seed producers) and identified PNOs who should purchase seeds for onward distribution/retailing to farmers in oil palm clusters across the Niger Delta.

The event was targeted at creating awareness on the availability, benefits and sources of improved tenera seeds/seedlings amongst leaders of farmer groups, cooperatives and associations.

Stakeholders from the palm oil industry, including NGOs, agro input suppliers, Government agencies and extension agents engaged with smallholder farmers, support service providers and facilitators. Addressing participants at the workshop, facilitators urged farmers to embark on best management practices for improved yield.

Speaking, Consultant to MADE and Co-Facilitator to PIND, Samuel Dare said the palm oil stakeholders are expected to carry out further dissemination of the availability, sources and benefits of improved tenera seeds and amongst their networks of farmers and entrepreneurs.

Chairman, National Palm Produce Association of Nigeria (NNPAN) Ondo State, Adetula Biola commended the effort of PIND/MADE for the workshop which focuses amongst others on achieving increase awareness of availability, source and benefits of improved tenera seeds/seedlings and Best Management Practice (BMP) among small holder farmers.