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Coconut farmers in Badagry area of Lagos State have
appealed to the Lagos State Government to revive the industry in the
area.
Some of the farmers who spoke to journalists noted that most of the produce were being imported from other West African countries.
Mr Joseph Setonji, a coconut farmer, pleaded with the state government to address the challenges on ground, noting that several previous appeals by coconut farmers were not heeded.
“In the early days of Badagry, coconut was the major source of revenue to both government and the farmers. But now, the ancient kingdom only lives on her past glory as the major crop supposedly being produced in the community is now being imported from other West African countries, with a higher percentage coming from Ghana.”
He quipped that the major challenge had been the neglect of farmers by the government because they don’t have modern tools and the equipment for the production of coconut. “The government should try to revive the coconut industry and also empower the farmers so as to stop the importation of coconut,” Mr. Setonji added.
Another farmer, Mr Deji Poji, argued that since Badagry was the only destination to get the crop, its increasing demand was the major factor for the importation of the crop.
“The importation of the produce from other West African countries is because of the high demand for it, which the farmers could not keep up with. The government needs to address the challenges of the farmers so that we can be able to meet up to the demand and this will reduce the heavy reliance on importation. If we keep importing coconut, we will continue to be at a loss,’’ he said.
Mr Monday Alapo, another farmer, lamented the felling of coconut trees by some individuals. He noted that there are diverse challenges which the farmers are going through and some individuals are adding to it by cutting down coconut trees. He beckoned on the government to check all the ill-practices because it is rampant in Badagry.
Another coconut farmer, Mr Mauho Adetunji, noted that the rejuvenation of the coconut industry would create job opportunities.
“Coconut is a wonder crop as it can be used to make different things like cups, mats, bags, bangles, sandals, edible oils, ear rings, among others.
“A rejuvenated Badagry in the production of this crop will not only create job opportunities, it will also boost the revenue of the local government, in particular and the state, in general,” he added.
Some of the farmers who spoke to journalists noted that most of the produce were being imported from other West African countries.
Mr Joseph Setonji, a coconut farmer, pleaded with the state government to address the challenges on ground, noting that several previous appeals by coconut farmers were not heeded.
“In the early days of Badagry, coconut was the major source of revenue to both government and the farmers. But now, the ancient kingdom only lives on her past glory as the major crop supposedly being produced in the community is now being imported from other West African countries, with a higher percentage coming from Ghana.”
He quipped that the major challenge had been the neglect of farmers by the government because they don’t have modern tools and the equipment for the production of coconut. “The government should try to revive the coconut industry and also empower the farmers so as to stop the importation of coconut,” Mr. Setonji added.
Another farmer, Mr Deji Poji, argued that since Badagry was the only destination to get the crop, its increasing demand was the major factor for the importation of the crop.
“The importation of the produce from other West African countries is because of the high demand for it, which the farmers could not keep up with. The government needs to address the challenges of the farmers so that we can be able to meet up to the demand and this will reduce the heavy reliance on importation. If we keep importing coconut, we will continue to be at a loss,’’ he said.
Mr Monday Alapo, another farmer, lamented the felling of coconut trees by some individuals. He noted that there are diverse challenges which the farmers are going through and some individuals are adding to it by cutting down coconut trees. He beckoned on the government to check all the ill-practices because it is rampant in Badagry.
Another coconut farmer, Mr Mauho Adetunji, noted that the rejuvenation of the coconut industry would create job opportunities.
“Coconut is a wonder crop as it can be used to make different things like cups, mats, bags, bangles, sandals, edible oils, ear rings, among others.
“A rejuvenated Badagry in the production of this crop will not only create job opportunities, it will also boost the revenue of the local government, in particular and the state, in general,” he added.
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