ibironkeeniola 
The OCP Africa Fertilizers Nigeria Limited has revealed that it has partnered with agricultural research institutes to develop soil nutrients map and fertiliser formulations for oil palm and tomato production.
The group said it signed an agreement with the National Institute for Horticultural Research (NIHORT), the National Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR) and the Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), to achieve the set target.
According to the Managing Director, Mohamed Hetiti, the goal is to develop specialty fertilisers for value chain crops, which will enhance soil fertility status and boost the productivity of farmers.
Hetiti bemoaned the humongous amount – $500 million – spent on the importation of palm oil, noting that local consumption was rising at about 2.9 percent.
He said that with the steady increase in demand for Nigeria’s palm oil, both locally and internationally, Nigeria’s oil palm production needed a boost to attract investment.
In Hetiti’s remarks, tomato is also not left off the plan, as Nigeria’s tomato value chain suffered a setback, with demand outpacing supply.
As part of the partnership, he said Nigerian farmers will be well-equipped with knowledge and capacity to practise sustainable plant nutrition and reduce nutrient loss.
“With these important issues, the cooperation agreement being signed is the cumulative result of a lot of hard work, research and several coordinated efforts between our partners,” he said.
The MD further assured that the group will work together with the institutes and other local partners to contribute to the growth of the tomato and oil palm value chain.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA