The member representing Atakunmosa East/Atakunmosa West/Ilesa East/Ilesa West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Mr. Sanya Omirin, has called on Taiwanese government to provide technical knowhow that would enhance the capacity of palm oil producers in his constituency.
Omirin spoke during a workshop organised by the Taipei Trade Office for farmers working at palm plantations in Iperindo, Osun State.
The lawmaker, though noted the collaboration and support of the Taipei Trade Office in Nigeria for various agriculture related initiatives in different parts of the country in the past.
He however called on the Taiwanese government to do more for Nigeria in the area of transfer of expertise and technical skills in the field of agriculture technology.
Taiwan is known for quality and I am glad your government is waking up, so we look forward to a better collaboration in the area of technology to boost agriculture,” he said.
He further said that his constituents being a predominantly farmer population, could produce agricultural produce that would generate foreign exchange for the country if they received needed support.
He said, “We are farmers in this place. We can produce palm oil and other produce that can earn Nigerian foreign exchange. But will need support in the area of technology for us to produce more within the shortest possible time.
Taiwanese government can collaborate with us in that respect and the relationship will be a mutually beneficial one for Nigeria and our foreign partners.”
The facilitator, Mr Abiola Esan, while addressing the participants, highlighted the benefits of embracing technology for enhanced capacity in palm plantation agriculture.
He encouraged farmers to embrace numerous innovations that have been introduced into farming globally.
He said, “The world has moved beyond the peasant method of farming and if Nigeria will compete in the global market, we must be ready to up our technological use in doing the farming.
Esan commended the Taiwanese government for the collaboration with the lawmaker in sponsoring the program and encouraged participants to make proper use of the knowledge acquired.
A statement by the Omirin Media Office obtained in Osogbo on Sunday said, “After the workshop, participants at the workshop got cash gifts as training allowances from the Taiwanese government.”
