Davidorlar Farms, a subsidiary of Davidorlar Nigeria Limited says it is dedicated to empowering fifty thousand Nigerian youths through an agricultural revolution.
The Managing Director of the company, Mr Segun Alabi, gave the commitment at a press conference in Abuja.
He said that the move will particularly target young Nigerians who have a passion for agriculture and, who have studied the field.
‘ We will offer them comprehensive training and all the necessary resources to succeed as pineapple farmers. Davidorlah is committing to off-take their produce at any given time. Create Jobs and Empower Rural Communities: To empower 10,000 Agronomist. 10,000. Farm Extensionist and 10,000 Farm Managers in Nigeria.Through its operations, Davidorlah will provide employment opportunities to rural communities, helping to alleviate poverty and reduce youth unemployment’. Mr. Alabi said.
The MD also said that the value chain in pineapple agriculture is extensive, and this program will also benefit the transporters who
will be responsible for moving the produce from farms to various destinations.
He noted that Davidorlah seeks to place Nigeria on the world map as a leading exporter of pineapples.
‘ The company will work to create partnerships with international buyers, ensuring that Nigerian pineapples are available in markets around the world. Introduce Innovation and Sustainability: Davidorlah plans to introduce innovative farming techniques and sustainable practices to increase productivity while protecting the environment.l’. He said.
He however urged the government to create an enabling environment that fosters business growth and allows the private sector to thrive.
‘ To further address the pressing issue of the food security crisis in Nigeria, it is essential for the government to further engage the right people in the agricultural sector- individuals, organizations with proven track records and a deep understanding of the industry, who can offer informed and strategic advice on how to solve these challenges with
urgency.
Invitation to Partner with Us:
We recognize that this vision cannot be achieved alone. Davidorlah is open to discussion with individuals, companies, government bodies and parastatals who are willing to work with us to achieve this great vision, to put Nigeria foremost in the global pineapple market’. Mr. Alabi said.
He stressed that the farm has boosted Nigeria’s GDP by reducing the importation of pineapples.
‘We are actively contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth’.
We are proud of these achievements, but we believe we can do even more. There is much more work to be done, and together, we can achieve it.
Why Pineapple?
‘Pineapple is the 5th most consumed fruit in the world, and it holds a unique position as one of the luxury produce items in the global market. The demand for pineapples consistently exceeds the supply, making it a highly lucrative crop.
Pineapples also have a long shelf life and are highly resilient, capable of thriving in various weather conditions. Most importantly, Cow d
oes not eat pineapple’. He said.
He added that despite the growing global demand for pineapples, Nigeria’s agricultural sector has yet to fully tap into this opportunity.
He noted that one of the key challenges is the inconsistency in the quality of produce, stemming from outdated farming practices.
Many Nigerian farmers lack access to modern knowledge, resources, and infrastructure required to meet international standards.
‘ Consequently, our pineapples often fail to meet export-quality benchmarks, resulting in economic losses and limiting Nigeria’s competitiveness in the global market. Nigeria’s Current Pineapple Market Situation’.
According to Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistics Database, Nigeria is currently the 8th largest producer of pineapples in the world with estimated total of 1,607,200 metric tons per annum. By comparison, Ghana ranks 13th with estimated total of 678,079 metric tons per annum, and Cotonou (Republic of Benin) is 16th with estimated total of 472,514 metric ton
s per annum. But it is amazing how Ghana and Cotonou produce is less than what Nigeria produces annually and yet Nigeria still imports pineapple from these two countries because our produce is 50% less than our consumption, which makes us depend largely on importation of pineapple. A new discovery has unveiled the incredible versatility of pineapples, revealing that they can be used to produce a variety of items such as clothing, shoes, bags, disposable plates, spoons, and even biofuel. Coupled with the well-known health benefits of pineapples. All these factors has made the demand for pineapple in the world increase immensely.
‘With vast, fertile land, Nigeria has the potential not only to meet its domestic pineapple demand but also to become a leading global exporter. However, despite favorable climatic conditions, Nigeria has struggled to position itself as a key player in the international pineapple market’. He stated.
Mr. Alabi added that Nigeria imports a significant amount of food, including pineappl
es, due to inadequate local production capacity and quality issues.
Davidorlah Farms, a leading Pineapple Farm Estate Management and services specialist, and a pioneer in redefining Nigeria’s agricultural sector focuses on the planting of pineapples.
Source: Voice of Nigeria