The original history on Nigeria and Malaysia agro relationship was that during the 70s, Malaysia came and took our palm seedlings and developed better species from it and therefrom made more money from the trade to the extent of becoming world leaders in the production.
Today, Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo is rewriting the history by going back to Malaysia to import their improved pal seedlings.
Otherwise, the news now is that Anambra State Governor has initiated import of one million Palm Oil Seedlings and Coconuts from Malaysia, aiming for N160 Billion yearly revenue from export thereafter.
During the inauguration of the 2023 farming season at Alex Ekwueme Square Awka, Deputy Governor Onyekachi Ibezim revealed that Governor Charles Soludo’s administration has commenced the importation of one million palm oil seedlings and one million coconuts from Malaysia. The objective behind this initiative is to generate an annual revenue of N160 billion for Anambra state.
Mr. Ibezim, representing the Anambra governor at the event, emphasized that the imported palm oil seedlings and coconuts have a maturity period of three years. Once these investments reach their full potential, off-takers will process the fruits of these plants, resulting in significant yearly income.
Furthermore, the Anambra deputy governor disclosed the government’s plan to irrigate 10,000 hectares of land in Ifite Ogwari community, Ayamelum LGA, for rice farming. He emphasized that agriculture has the potential to create wealth and employment opportunities for a large number of people.
In line with the state’s development plan, Mr. Ibezim highlighted the government’s focus on agriculture as a priority area for investment over the next 50 years. He assured farmers of continued support from the government in their agricultural endeavors.
Foster Ihejiofor, the Commissioner for Agriculture, emphasized the state’s commitment to “biological farming” rather than solely focusing on food production. This sustainable agricultural system, also known as zero budget, carbon farming, or regen-Ag, was launched by Governor Chukwuma Soludo in 2022. Mr. Ihejiofor encouraged farmers to embrace this new farming approach, highlighting its environmental friendliness and economic benefits, such as reduced input costs and improved soil and plant health.
As Anambra state takes proactive steps to boost its agricultural sector, the importation of palm oil seedlings and coconuts, alongside the emphasis on biological farming, aims to
