Nigeria has recorded a milestone in agricultural innovation with the launch of what is believed to be the country's first comprehensive book on the jackfruit value chain.
The publication titled, Pioneering Jackfruit Innovations in Nigeria: A Founder's Blueprint for Turning an Unpopular Species into Sustainable Wealth, authored by environmentalist and entrepreneur, Mrs. Emem Umoh, was unveiled in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, yesterday amid calls for increased investment in value addition and agro-industrialisation.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion and Rector of Federal Polytechnic Ukana, Dr. Eduma Enobong Essien, described the publication as a timely contribution to Nigeria's drive for economic diversification through agriculture.
Essien said the book demonstrates how an underutilised crop could be transformed into a source of employment, industrial raw materials, improved nutrition and sustainable wealth.
"The future of Nigeria's economy lies beyond primary production. We must process, package, brand and commercialise our agricultural products for both domestic and international markets," she said.
The Rector noted that the publication would serve as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, students, farmers, investors and entrepreneurs seeking to unlock opportunities within the agricultural sector.
Author of the book, Umoh, said the project was inspired by years of research and practical experience, stressing that jackfruit possesses enormous potential for job creation, food security, environmental sustainability and economic growth.
She said the publication seeks to empower women, youths and entrepreneurs to harness local resources through innovation and value addition while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Umoh acknowledged the support of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Environment, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Programme (GEF-SGP) and other partners for supporting the jackfruit value chain project implemented by the Women in Nature Conservation Organisation (WINCO).
Reviewing the book, Founder of the Uyo Book Club, Dr. Udeme Nnana, described it as a practical blueprint for transforming an overlooked agricultural resource into a thriving enterprise and urged educational institutions to adopt it as a reference material.
Also speaking, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) representative in Akwa Ibom, Mrs. Joan Idiong, disclosed that Umoh had been certified as an exporter and nominated to join Nigeria's delegation to a global exhibition in Canada.
In a major boost to the initiative, the Director of Forestry in Akwa Ibom announced the allocation of 10 hectares of land for the establishment of a jackfruit plantation to support expansion of the value chain.
The event featured practical demonstrations on jackfruit processing, with stakeholders emphasising that skills development, innovation and value addition remain critical to unlocking Nigeria's agricultural potential and creating sustainable livelihoods.
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