[01] Sanusi Mohammed Kabiru, Nigerian Institute for Oil palm Research (NIFOR) Date Palm Sub-station, Dutse, Jigawa State, Nigeria. [02] Adeloye Florence Fadeke, Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.

Nigeria has vast land mass and suitable climatic condition to produce date palm in large quantities. However, date palm production in Nigeria is low and it becomes difficult for the industry to perform its statutory role to promote economic development. The study identified the problems confronting the Date Palm industry and proffer solutions to them. The problems identified by the study include lack of government assistance in term of loans, inputs, low budgetary allocation and lack of land to cultivate Date palm. Others were pest and diseases, poor extension services, lack of planting materials, sex identification and lack of knowledge on the numerous uses of date palm. The study recommended that government should assistant the farmers to get loans to buy input like fertilizers, insecticides and pesticides. Government should acquire large hectares of land that will be designated for date palm production as well as increase budgetary allocation for date palm research. Extension system should provide information on the importance and uses of date palms to the farmers. Date palm farmers should form functional date palm cooperatives society to get assistance from government and commercial banks.

Date Palm, Production, Problems, Solutions, Economic Development

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