The Rivers State Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Produce Department, has decried the low production of palm oil in the state.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, the Director, Mr Augustine Kalio, recalled that agriculture, of which palm produce is a component, was the mainstay of the Nigerian economy before advent of crude oil.
According to him, in the 60s, the area was noted for the production and export of palm oil.
“But now, we are practically begging farmers to engage in palm oil production.
“The advent of crude oil has brought down interest in agriculture; now we are trying hard to remain afloat in palm oil production.''
Kalio said that apart from being edible, palm produce was used for industrial purposes which made it very important to life.
He, however, identified the adulteration of the oil as a major challenge to the industry.
?“This is where our job comes in; to ensure that no oil on export or sale to companies is adulterated.
“Adulterated oil is not good for consumption or for industrial use because it can cause sickness or spoil the quality of the industrial product.''
Kalio commended the Commissioner of Commerce and Industry, Mr Chuma Chinye, for his interest in ensuring that the department was well equipped to discharge its duties.
He noted that before the commissioner was appointed, the department was only inspecting and generating revenue on palm kernels and palm oil.
“But now, the staff are charged to extend their inspection to garri, yam, beans and plantain; drastic change has come into the department,“ the director said.
Kalio said that the department had acquired new equipment and more stations created to add to the existing ones, with a view to ensuring adequate monitoring and inspection.