Abia commences Oil Palm revolution, distributes two million Tenera seedlings

Abia State has flagged-off its Oil Palm revolution and allied products project, with the distribution of two million high yield species of Tenera seedlings to communities

During the event, held at Ayaba Umueze in Osioma Ngwa Local Council Area, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said nothing less than 7.5m seedlings would be provided at subsidised rates before he leaves office.

According to the governor, the oil palm revolution would fill the gap created after the administration of the late premier of the defunct Eastern region, Dr. Michael Okpara, who was renowned for his unprecedented agricultural exploits.

He urged the people to key into his agric revolution, which he said would secure their future and quickly replace the wild oil palm grove with the Tenera high yielding species.

State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Uzo Azubuike said the main objective of the state community-based oil palm project was to replace the low-yield wild groves and project that after Ikpeazu, the state will be placed on the economic map, as the highest producer of oil palms in West African sub-region.

He added that through his ministry, the state is developing three mega poultry clusters, pioneered mushroom farming, and making available Agro-inputs to farmers at a subsidised rate.