Agricultural Story #28

Going in search of the amazing agriculture products that are so unique and helpful to mankind.
I find the the Oil Palm Fruit to be one of the most useful fruits in Nigeria, even across many countries.

The fruit is uniquely made by nature, it grows in large bunches from the Oil Palm Tree, the fruits are small and either red or orange in colour.

	palm fruits

The oil palm fruit grows from a tall tree with green big leaves.

	Oil Palm Tree

The oil palm fruit are of various benefits, it serves as a source of food and employment for people.

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Economic Value

I came to realize that the Nigerian economy has gotten its greatest support from the Oil Palm Fruit.

This is certain, because the Palm Oil obtained from the Palm Fruit is traded in Nigeria and across other countries. It has created a great source of employment for many people, like the farmers, labourers, transporters and even traders in the market.

• Like in my region where these activities are very common, we will harvest the fruits from the trees in the farm, then within a few days, we will extract the fruits from the bunches and then take them to the processing mill.

• We will cook it in a large pot, depending on the quantity. When they are cooked, we then grind and take them to the presser to press out the oil. After that, we will take them to the selector where the seed (Palm kernel) is separated from the chaff.

• We will keep some of the palm oil for our personal use, and sale the rest for money. Even the palm kernel, we will crack them and sale them for money too. Everything about this fruit is profitable.

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Biological Importance

I strongly acknowledge the oil palm fruit as one of the greatest gifts from nature. The oil palm tree grows very well in both dry and wet places, especially in southern Nigeria, where we consider as the tropical zones.

When planted it does not take long to bear fruit, it starts bearing fruit after three to four years and will continue producing fruit over many years.

A bunch of oil palm fruit may bear hundreds of small fruits, each with a seed called a Kernel.
The red part of the small fruits gives oil, while the seeds give palm kernel oil.

All other parts of the Oil Palm Fruit are also very essential, none is a waste, after everything we normally gather all the empty bunches and other leftover parts and use as firewood and also for our farm as organic manure.

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Health Benefits

Based on my research, I have realized that the Palm Oil obtained from the Palm fruit is a very rich source of Vitamin A, which is good for the eyes and helps prevent blindness.

It's also a rich source of Vitamin E, which helps the body fight against sickness.

I also discovered that it's assumed to be essential for strong heart development and also gives energy.

I also realized that it may have health defects, especially for people with high blood pressure, and so people with such issues, should minimize the use of palm oil.

The Palm kernel oil is also used for making creams and soaps, which keep the skin smooth and fresh.

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Other Benefits

I love using it most the for cooking and frying my foods.
It's also used for making local soaps, candles and body cream.

I discovered also that the local people assume it can be used to treat stomach problems, especially in children.

Mostly in my region, Palm Oil is also commonly used for cultural and religious ceremonies.

We often cut the leaves of the Oil Palm tree and use it for making brooms, which are used for sweeping.

	palm leaves

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I sincerely acknowledge that the Oil Palm Fruit is a strong pillar for the economy, it raises the standard of living and improves health.

I strongly advise everyone to grow the Oil palm trees and take care of them properly, and make use of them wisely to sustain their benefits for a better future.

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I will invite @samuelbrilliant, @etoro and @mr-peng to take part in this contest...

Cc,
@ruthjoe