NAN-AE-3
Kenaf
By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Ibadan, Oct. 9, 2017 (NAN) Prof. James Adediran, the Executive Director, Institute of Agricultural Research and Training (IAR&T), Ibadan, on Monday stressed the need to improve production of kenaf in Nigeria.
Adediran told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibadan that if kenaf production was improved and its industrial utilisation enhanced, it would improve the nation’s economy.
NAN reports that Kenaf is a tropical plant of the mallow (Hibiscus) family that yields a jutelike fibre, which is used to make paper, ropes and coarse cloth.
Adediran said that the agro-industrial development of the economy would not be complete without harnessing the immense potential of kenaf for revitalising the pulp and paper sub-sector of the economy.
The executive director said that the processing and storage of kenaf by-products would tremendously increase the earnings from the crop.
According to him, kenaf cultivation is about sustainable management of forests, innovating and producing green products to augment the country’s wood-based industry.
Adediran said that it was also about halting the nation’s capital flight through importation of pulp, paper and jute bags.
He said that cultivation of the crop would also improve farmers’ standard of living and generate employment with the expansion of agro-allied industries.
“To achieve all these, advancement of research in IAR&T has led to the registration of two new kenaf varieties: IFE KEN 400 and IFE KEN D1 400.
“The attributes of these varieties have addressed some shortcomings of the previous ones.
“The on-farm assessment of the varieties showed a boost in the fibre, core and seed yields as well as pest and disease resistance/tolerance, among other desirable traits.
“Our scientists will not rest on their oars till kenaf production and utilisation take its rightful place in the economic emancipation of our blessed Nigeria,” he said.
Adediran said that in efforts to re-position Nigeria for agricultural revolution and transformation; proper and recommended packaging of kenaf should not be neglected.
“We hope to develop more varieties of kenaf for economic transformation of our country and employment creation,’’ he added. (NAN)
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Edited by Oluyinka Fadare and Dayo Komolafe