By Kayode Araba
Thus, the Chief Executive Officer of Davidorlah Nigeria Limited, Ambassador Segun Alabi has bemoaned that Nigeria the 8th largest producer of pineapples globally, yet Nigeria imports the commodity from neighbouring countries.
This was revealed at the press chart with news men on monday where said that the Food and Agriculture Organization Corporate Statistics Database shows that 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 tons per annum.
He further alluded to the fact that 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.
He added that despite the growing global demand for pineapples, Nigeria’s agricultural sector has yet to fully tap into this opportunity, saying one of the key challenges is the inconsistency in the quality of produce stemming from outdated farming practices.
He also said that 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 marker.
In addition, Ambassador Segun Alabi the CEO of Davidorlah Nigeria Limited said by focusing on pineapples farming, Nigeria can diversify its economy, and reduce dependence on oil exports by becoming the world’s largest pineapple producer.
Also, that Pineapple farming will drive the development of roads, processing
plants, and storage facilities enhance Access to Finance; Pineapple farming can attract foreign investment and government support.
