Nsit Atai Council Expands Umo Eno Model Farm, Flags Off Tree Crop Planting Phase
The Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, has flagged off a new planting phase at the Umo Eno Model Farm, Odot, expanding the Local Government’s demonstration farm to include tree crops in support of the Tree Crop Revolution initiative of the Akwa Ibom State Government.
The latest expansion will see the cultivation of over 2,000 stands of improved Tenera oil palm seedlings, marking another significant milestone in the Council’s drive to promote sustainable agriculture, strengthen food security, create employment opportunities and build a long-term revenue base for the Local Government.
The initiative is designed to complement the agricultural vision of Governor Pastor Umo Eno, PhD, while positioning Nsit Atai as an active participant in the State’s Tree Crop Revolution.
Speaking during the flag-off ceremony at the Umo Eno Model Farm, Odot, Prince Nyong described agriculture as one of the strongest pillars of economic development, stressing that his administration remains committed to investing in initiatives that will improve the livelihoods of the people and guarantee sustainable economic growth.
According to the Chairman, the decision to incorporate tree crops into the demonstration farm aligns with the agricultural blueprint of Governor Umo Eno, whose Tree Crop Revolution seeks to encourage long-term agricultural investment across Akwa Ibom State.
Related: Nsit Atai Chairman Charges Farmers to Embrace Tree Crop Revolution
“The Umo Eno Model Farm is more than just a farm; it is a demonstration centre where our farmers can learn modern farming techniques and appreciate the enormous opportunities that exist in agriculture. We are deliberately expanding this farm to include tree crops so that Nsit Atai can fully key into the Tree Crop Revolution of His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, PhD.”
“With the planting of over 2,000 stands of improved Tenera oil palm seedlings, we are laying the foundation for a plantation that will benefit our people for many years. Our expectation is that within the next three years, these palms will begin to bear fruits and become a sustainable source of revenue for the Local Government. Beyond revenue generation, the plantation will create employment opportunities, encourage agribusiness and inspire more young people to embrace agriculture as a viable means of livelihood.”
Hon. Nyong disclosed that the distribution of improved oil palm seedlings provided by the Akwa Ibom State Government to farmers across Nsit Atai would commence soon, urging beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity.
“I encourage our farmers to embrace this initiative wholeheartedly. When the improved seedlings are distributed, ensure you plant and nurture them properly. Agriculture remains one of the surest paths to economic prosperity, and by participating actively in this programme, our farmers will improve their productivity, increase their incomes and contribute meaningfully to the economic development of our Local Government.”
The agricultural expert overseeing the Umo Eno Model Farm and an official of the Akwa Ibom Agricultural Development Programme (AKADEP), Dr. Uwemedimo Anana, commended the Executive Chairman for his visionary investment in agriculture and his commitment to supporting the State Government’s agricultural transformation agenda.
He explained that the oil palm seedlings being planted are the improved Tenera variety, a hybrid developed from the Dura and Pisifera species, which is widely recognised as the preferred commercial oil palm because of its superior qualities.
According to him, Tenera palms produce fruits with a thinner shell and thicker oil-rich pulp, resulting in higher oil yields than traditional varieties. He noted that the seedlings mature earlier and, with proper management, provide better economic returns to farmers and plantation owners.
Dr. Uwemedimo stated that with adequate maintenance, including proper spacing, regular weeding, timely fertilizer application and effective field management, the palms are expected to begin bearing fruits in about three years.
He added that beyond serving as a production centre, the demonstration farm would also function as a practical learning facility where farmers can acquire modern skills in oil palm cultivation, plantation management and best agronomic practices before establishing their own plantations.
The agricultural expert expressed appreciation to the Executive Chairman for entrusting him with the responsibility of managing the project, expressing confidence that the plantation would become a model for sustainable agricultural development in Nsit Atai.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by the Vice Chairman of Council, Hon. Mrs. Affiong Amanam; the Council Secretary, Obong Sunday Udia; the Dean of the College of Supervisors, Hon. Emmanuel Okono; the Director of Agriculture; the Supervisor for Agriculture, Hon. Unwana Orok; and other officials of the Local Government.
