The Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) has teamed up with the Coconut Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CRI-CATAS). This collaboration aims to enhance the coconut value chain by incorporating advanced technologies to achieve higher yields of coconuts per hectare.
The meeting took place on Tuesday at NIFOR in Benin City, where both organizations discussed plans for joint research activities focused on coconut and oil palm biology. They also agreed to exchange academic personnel and materials to strengthen their research capabilities.
Dr. Isona Gold, the Acting Executive Director of NIFOR, highlighted the primary goals of the partnership. He emphasized the importance of developing and sharing genetic materials to improve coconut cultivation in Nigeria. “NIFOR serves as a repository for all available oil palm genetic materials globally,” he noted, indicating the institute’s crucial role in agricultural research and development.
One of the pressing issues affecting agriculture worldwide, including Nigeria, is climate change. Dr. Isona expressed concern about the impact of drought on food production and the wider implications for sustainability and food security. He explained that enhancing germplasm across countries is vital for mitigating these threats.
“NIFOR is strategically positioned to provide the germplasm materials needed to develop drought-resilient planting materials. We aim for a production capacity of 150-250 kilograms of fresh fruit bunches per palm per year, even in areas that receive between 1000mm to 1500mm of rainfall over six months,” Dr. Isona explained.
The collaboration is expected to significantly upgrade Nigeria’s coconut value chain, which is relatively underdeveloped compared to other countries, particularly China. “We recognize that the coconut value chain is well advanced in China, and we hope Nigeria can make significant progress through this collaboration,” he added.
Dr. Cao Hongxing, the leader of the CRI-CATAS delegation, expressed gratitude for the warm reception at NIFOR. She conveyed optimism about the collaboration’s potential outcomes. “NIFOR has made impressive achievements in research and development related to oil palm and coconut, and we hope this partnership will bridge existing gaps in our research objectives,” she stated.
This collaboration holds promise for transforming the coconut sector in Nigeria by leveraging technology and research. By improving the quality and productivity of Nigeria’s coconut farms, the partnership aims to secure better livelihoods for farmers and enhance food security in the country.
The event was well-attended by other management staff from NIFOR, all of whom shared in the excitement regarding the prospective benefits of this partnership.
The collaboration between NIFOR and CRI-CATAS signifies a proactive approach to addressing the challenges faced by the coconut industry in Nigeria. With shared expertise and resources, this initiative aims to increase coconut yields and ensure a more sustainable agricultural future for the nation.
As Nigeria continues to explore avenues for agricultural development, partnerships like this could play a pivotal role in achieving significant growth in the coconut value chain.
