Oil palm farmers in Imo have called on the federal government to provide adequate security and support to boost production and economic output for the country.

The farmers requested this at a capacity-building workshop organised by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council in Owerri on Thursday.

The chairperson of the National Palm Producers Association of Nigeria, Rhoda Chukwueze, stated that significant government support was necessary to overcome the farmers’ challenges.

“Some of the challenges faced by oil palm farmers in the state include a paucity of machinery and funding, which really is affecting production. Among our challenges is the need for revamping of our milling machines for optimal output,“ she said.

Another farmer, Patricia Okpara, thanked the NEPC for distributing palm seedlings to farmers in 2024.

Ms Okpara, a retiree from Obosima in the Owerri West council area of Imo, however, decried the insecurity in rural areas.

According to her, the insecurity is impeding farmers’ ability to access their farms and manage production.

“We call on the government to secure farmers and secure farms because inasmuch as we want to produce enough oil for Nigeria, only the living can produce oil,” she said.

Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Imo coordinator of the NEPC, Anthony Ajuruchi, said that the workshop aimed to improve the capacity of farmers in post-seedling planting management practices.

Mr Ajuruchi noted that the workshop was a follow-up to last year’s distribution of improved seedlings to farmers to replace aging trees and increase output.

“Here at the NEPC, we increase volume and value by introducing improved seedlings to replace ageing and tired trees and training farmers on how to manage them so that in a few years to come, we can expect bumper harvests,” he said.

Free health checks were also conducted for the farmers to help them maintain their health.

(NAN)