Fruit farming promoted in Nigeria

Nigeria's government is committed to encouraging fruit farming through the expansion of arable crop estates, reports the Lagos State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Toyin Suarau. The commitment is in line with the government's vision of making the nation the foremost fruit export country in Africa, while creating job opportunities.

Suarau, who spoke on June 28th in Lagos at a news briefing to mark the maiden edition of the International Fruit Day, said as part of efforts to encourage fruit farming and cultivation of crops and fruits in large quantities, the government established vegetable estates at Agbowa and Iya-Afin in Ikosi-Ejirin and Badagry councils.

He added that the land had been surveyed and allocated to interested individuals and organisations.

Explaining that a two-day activity has been set aside to commemorate the first edition of the International Fruit Day, the commissioner said the objective of the event was to celebrate the diversity of fruits and their health benefits and encourage green economy in fruit farming, to create partnership for economic development.

Suarau said the event is scheduled for July 1 and 2 at the Ministry of Environment Garden, Mobolaji Johnson Avenue, Alausa-Ikeja, adding that the theme is: ‘Our Fruit, Our Wealth’.

The Managing Director of Fruitful Events, Mrs. Arafat Apooyin, one of the collaborating partners of the event, said that awareness for increased consumption of fruits for health benefits and the employment opportunities available to youths, through fruit farming and production, are some of the objectives for the commemoration.