October 13, 2024 | Punch Nigeria Limited |
Oluwasegun Alabi, CEO of Davidorlah Farms, advocates for investing in pineapple cultivation to combat unemployment and generate foreign exchange for Nigeria. He criticizes the agricultural budget allocation of just 2% and emphasizes the need for agriculture to be viewed as a business opportunity, especially for youth.
Alabi aims to attract 50,000 young people to join pineapple farming nationwide, focusing on their interest rather than ethnic backgrounds. He believes this initiative can create thousands of agronomists and farm managers while promoting food security.
He opposes genetically modified foods, prioritizing 100% organic pineapple production to meet international market standards. Alabi notes the challenges of logistics and infrastructure but stresses the importance of maintaining motorable roads for perishable goods.
While Davidorlah Farms has not yet started exporting, it has potential buyers lined up. Alabi envisions making Nigeria a leading pineapple exporter, highlighting its unique taste and potential for economic growth. He also addresses climate change and security concerns through insurance and proactive measures, stating that with effective management and a solid structure, the farm can thrive independently.