By Roseline Okakah
The Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of the Coconut Farmers Association of Nigeria, CFAN, Revd. Canon Japheth Ologunode, has described coconut as a “golden crop” with the potential to transform the economic fortunes of Ondo State if properly harnessed and commercialised.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with THE HOPE, Ologunode said coconut farming remains one of the most profitable agricultural ventures, urging farmers and investors in the state to embrace its cultivation.
He maintained that CFAN has intensified efforts to promote coconut production through sensitisation campaigns, training programmes and farmer education across various communities in the state.
He said, “We have formed the National Coconut Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria, Ondo State chapter, and we are encouraging farmers to venture into coconut production. It is a highly lucrative business for anyone willing to invest in it.”
Ologunode attributed the rising cost of coconut in Nigeria to increasing industrial demand and inadequate local production.
He explained that coconut is widely used by cosmetic, pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies, resulting in demand that currently exceeds supply.
He added, “All the skincare products we use today contain coconut derivatives. Pharmaceutical companies also rely heavily on coconut products. The demand is now far higher than supply, and Nigeria still imports coconut from neighbouring countries such as Ghana and Togo.”
The association chairman identified low awareness among farmers as one of the major challenges limiting coconut production in Ondo State, insisting that many farmers still hold the misconception that coconut cannot thrive in the state’s soil.
“We are educating people that coconut can grow in almost every environment. Areas where cocoa may not survive can support coconut cultivation. Our major challenge is creating awareness and encouraging farmers to establish plantations,” he stressed.
To address these challenges, Ologunode said the association has embarked on extensive sensitisation campaigns through radio programmes and community engagements across several local government areas.
He disclosed that the association recently organised a sensitisation programme in Ese-Odo Local Government area, where traditional rulers, farmers and community members were enlightened on the economic benefits of coconut farming.
He added, “We have been moving round local governments under the Ondo State Agricultural Commodities Association, OSACA, to sensitise farmers. I have also established a coconut training nursery in my community, where seedlings are made available to farmers for cultivation.”
Ologunode explained that coconut trees begin to produce fruits within four to five years, expressing optimism that increased participation by farmers would eventually boost supply and stabilise prices in the market.
He further revealed that the association is also exploring export opportunities, noting that international buyers are already showing interest in Nigeria’s coconut market.
He declared, “We already have connections with countries like China, and they are asking whether we can supply enough coconut for export. Coconut is truly a golden crop and we are preparing for export once production increases.”
The Ondo CFAN chairman, however, appealed to the Ondo State Government to support coconut farmers through land allocation, funding and increased investment in the sector.
He averred that access to viable farmland remains a major challenge for many farmers willing to engage in coconut cultivation, adding, “We are appealing to the government to empower us, provide land and support sensitisation programmes on coconut farming. At present, we have about 75 farmers without farmland. The land tenure system is affecting our plans for cluster farming.”
Ologunode urged the government to prioritise investment in coconut farming, describing it as a sustainable agricultural venture capable of boosting the state’s economy, creating employment opportunities and increasing export earnings.