The Programme Cordinator, Delta State Coconut Development Programme (DESCODEP), Hon. Aneke Ifemene has called for the upgrade of the programme into an Agency.
Ifemene gave the call during the World Coconut Day celebration organised by DESCODEP in collaboration with National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NACOPPMAN) in Asaba, the state capital.
He said with the remarkable progress recorded since the approval of the programme by the state governor, Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa, it is believed that creation of an Agency for the Programme would help leave a potential revenue generation sector to the incoming government.
He said the coconut programme was capable of funding itself and generating more revenue for funding other governmental activities.
Ifemene said in drastically reducing government dependency on revenue from oil, they were projecting to have planted 10,000 hectares across the state in the next four years.
Highlighting on the achievements of the programme, he said 40 hectares of coconut plantation has been established in Onicha Ukwani, Utagba Uno, Mbiri, and Umuaja.
According to the Programme Cordinator, over 5,000 hectares of land have been donated by communities to partner with DESCODEP, adding that over 2000 farmers and counting have been profiled and still on going.
He added that in all the models, the Government, community, individuals, families and investors have a percentage share of the income generated as the coconut begins fruiting throughout the life span of the coconut plantation.
Ifemene said that several attractive models that would make the programme a job and revenue generation programme have been adopted.
He said DESCODEP would partner with NACOPPMAN in processing the fruits into various coconut value chain and marketing the fruits.
Speaking on the benefit of coconut plantation, he said from one hectares of coconut plantation, a minimum of four direct jobs and 10 indirect jobs will be created.
Earlier, the Commissioner of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr Godfrey Enita said the value chain of the product is what motivated the governor to approve the programme.
Dr. Enita thanked the state governor, Sen Ifeanyi Okowa for approving the establishment of the Programme, as part of the state effort towards encouraging and supporting Agricultural Development and production in the state.
On his part the Permanent Secretary, Mr Ben Agamah, commended his doggedness in ensuring that the vision of the programme was actualised.
The state Chairman of NACOPPMAN, Mrs Cordelia Anyangwu commended the vision of the Programme Cordinator in ensuring that there was coconut sufficiency in the state.
According to Anyangwu coconut is the future of the country because of its inelastic value chain, adding that it would give the country much revenue that would make they nation not borrow again.
She urged every family to have at least three coconut trees in their house.
The G.M Tree crop, Surveyor Dr Eboka Chukwuemeke said he look forward to when the state would have an agency for development of the product.
Speaking on the health benefits of coconut, the executive Director of Safe space International, Dr. Kad Offori, said it helps detoxify the system.
Highlight of the event was paper presentation on coconut resourcefulness in multiple diversity and wealth creativity by the lad consultant, Uriri Agribusiness and Environment Innovations; presentation on building a safe inclusive resilient and sustainable coconut community by the representative of Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) Mrs Beatrice Emoghene and exhibition of various coconut products.
