BY ABDUL-KADIR ABDULLAH
The Edo State Government has launched Phase Two of the National Initiatives for Sustainable and Climate-Smart Oil Palm Smallholders (NISCOPS) in partnership with IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative (Netherlands) and Okomu Oil Palm Company.
The launch took place on July 31 in Benin City and is aimed at improving oil palm production through sustainable practices and economic empowerment for small holder farmers.
The new phase, which runs from 2024 to 2028, targets 5,000 smallholders, building on the success of the first phase that supported over 2,000 farmers.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ogumbo Osarobo David, Director of Agricultural Services, said government involvement in profiling, sensitization, and policy support is key to the initiative’s success.
Country Director of IDH Nigeria, Prof. Eniola Fabusoro, noted that the programme not only boosts production but also promotes environmental conservation and climate resilience.
Other stakeholders at the launch included representatives from the Edo State Oil Palm Programme, Edo Forestry Commission, Edo State Investment Promotion Office, and Okomu Oil PLC.
The NISCOPS initiative positions Edo State as a leader in climate-smart agriculture and sustainable oil palm production in Nigeria
