SOURCE: Alao Abiodun, The Nation Online
An Agriprenure, Segun Alabi, has affirmed that one of the ways pineapple farming can be attractive to young people is for the government to finance young entrepreneurs towards achieving self-sustainability.
Alabi called on both the federal and state governments to provide an enabling environment that will make Nigerians, especially the youths to embrace agriculture, through the provision of security and social amenities that will discourage rural-urban migration.
Alabi, who is the CEO of Davidorlah Nigeria Limited and founder of Davidorlah Farm, made the call while allocating pineapple farms to some farmers, who had subscribed to phase 2 of his pineapple farms plantation, located in Ago-Iwoye, Ijebu North local government area of Ogun State.
He noted that the allocation marks a key milestone in the company’s mission to position Nigeria as a leading pineapple exporter in the world in the next few years.
While describing pineapple farming as a lucrative business, Alabi noted that pineapple farms are immune to destruction by cattle, unlike other crops.
He said, “Phase 1 has been sold out, and in Phase 2, the road construction is being done by the World Bank. Where we are at, the Davidolar farm estate is a good farm estate. The demand for pineapple around the world is increasing on a daily basis.
“If Nigeria become the highest producer of pineapple in the world, supplying all other countries around the world, I think it’s the best thing our government can do for our youth because the demand is there.
“If you can create a land that can produce good pineapple, then it is good for us, and the government can just empower the youth as in finance. The major thing is finance: when young people have money, they can do anything.
Speaking further, he said Davidolar Farm is positioned to train people as well as become the largest exporter of pineapple.
He said, “We have trained over 500 people. The value chain in pineapple is so wide.
“Pineapple cultivation has positive socio-economic implications and creates jobs for many people in rural areas, thereby contributing to reducing unemployment and poverty”.
While explaining the value chain in pineapple, he noted that apart from using the fruit for juice, its peel can be used for shoes, clothes, bio-fuel production, creation of renewable energy, and cloth production as well as shoes.
The entrepreneur also disclosed that his firm is in partnership with investors in the area of turning pineapple waste into wealth from the Netherlands and Indonesia to solve the challenge of the importation of fertiliser.