Speaking on Friday during the workshop at the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Kogi, Timothy Ojoma, the commissioner for agriculture and food security in the state, said the training is aimed at equipping farmers with modern agricultural techniques to combat the effects of climate change.

Ojoma, represented by Kunle Agbana, director of agricultural services, said the training was necessary due to erratic rainfall patterns and shifting farming calendars across the country.

He reiterated that equipping farmers with climate-smart practices would help them sustain productivity and maintain high-quality oil palm production despite changing weather patterns.

The commissioner reaffirmed the Usman Ododo-led government’s commitment to agricultural development, noting that the state had “tractorised” over 8,000 hectares of farmland.

Ojoma noted that Kogi has also provided support for 88,000 farmers with free inputs in the past year, with an expansion plan to cover up to 16,000 hectares in 2025.

He urged farmers in the state to embrace sustainable agricultural practices and traceability systems to meet international standards.

Olusegun Solomon, director of research and head of extension and economics at the Nigerian Institute for Oil Palm Research (NIFOR), harped on the potential of oil palm to generate wealth, create jobs, and strengthen agro-industrial value chains in the state.

He noted that every part of the oil palm tree holds economic value, including the palm kernel shells, which he said are now in high demand globally.

Solomon announced the distribution of 1,000 improved oil palm seedlings worth N2.5 million to farmers in Kogi west senatorial district, with plans to replicate the initiative in Kogi east in the coming weeks.

The training brought together stakeholders, farmers, and agricultural experts to address challenges posed by unpredictable weather conditions and shifting farming calendars.