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As most developed countries are tending towards use of bio-fuel, governments at various levels have been urged to invest in refining of castor production.
National President, Castor and Allied Product Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr Kehinde Adeoye gave the advice in an exclusive interview with Correspondent Lanre Omotoso in Ilorin.
Mr Adeoye said castor is Five Billion Dollars investment yet to be tapped into by Nigerians, noting that when fully utilized through its value chain, it will be useful in the pharmaceutical companies, paint industries, automobile and electricity companies.
Mr Adeoye
“Planting of castor would also reduce clashes between farmers and herdsmen as it is not edible for cattle, the crop could be harvested twice a year to increase income of farmers selling at around One Thousand Dollars per ton,” he said.
Similarly, Kwara State Chairman, Castor and Allied Product Farmers Association of Nigeria, Mr Michael Ogundele said castor oil is environmental friendly as it does not emit carbon that destroys ozone layer like fossil fuel.
While noting that most developed countries have banned vehicles using fossil fuel, Mr Ogundele urged Nigeria to shift in maximizing potentials of castor oil so as not to be found wanting in the nearest future by investing in its value chains from planting to refining.
Mr Ogundele
Castor is known as eso-laa in Yoruba, eraogi in Edo, etigi unene in Efik, derre in Fulfulde, cìkà-gídàà in Hausa, ájonggo in Idoma, ogili ugba in Igbo, kpamfini gulu in Nupe and harev in Tiv.
Lanre Omotosho
