The Anambra State Government, in partnership with the Faculty of Agriculture at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, has launched a three-week certification program focused on African Palm Weevil and Water Snail farming.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Forster Ihejiofor, officially inaugurated the program during a ceremony held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall in Awka.
The initiative, titled “African Palm Weevil and Golden Snail Farming: Insects Business, Changing the World,” attracted approximately 100 participants from various parts of the state.
Among the facilitators was Barr Mandala Chandra Sekhar, a specialist from India known for his expertise in cultivating palm weevils using dead palm cellulose and other organic materials. He was present to share practical knowledge with attendees.
According to the Commissioner, the program is designed to empower participants with the skills needed to explore the economic potential of sustainable palm weevil and water snail farming, thereby promoting innovative agricultural practices in the state.
Dr. Forster Ihejiofor emphasized that the training is designed to enhance participants’ skills, improve agricultural practices, and help address the growing demand for animal-based protein.
He explained that Barr Madala is on ground to teach participants how to farm African Palm Weevils and Golden Apple Snails—two highly nutritious sources of protein suitable for human consumption and animal feed production.
“This farming opportunity is accessible and affordable. It doesn’t require large capital or labor to begin. With minimal investment, one can quickly build a profitable business,” he noted.
Dr. Ihejiofor added that all participants will receive certificates at the end of the training, enabling them not only to become practitioners but also to train others.
He expressed optimism that, over time, many women and youths in Anambra would achieve financial success by venturing into palm weevil and water snail farming.
He also highlighted the economic advantage of these insects in feed production, stating that replacing fish protein with palm soldier larvae and water snails could reduce the cost of animal feed by 40 to 65 percent.
In her remarks, Professor Cordelia Ebenebe, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, underscored the importance of African Palm Weevil farming in addressing the state’s nutritional needs, boosting food security, and strengthening the economy.
She pointed out the ongoing challenge of limited access to animal protein due to rising livestock prices, stressing that micro-livestock like palm weevils offer a practical solution.
“These insects contain all the essential proteins and amino acids found in conventional livestock. They can be raised easily at home, helping families provide adequate animal protein for their children,” she said, adding that this approach could help reduce malnutrition and stunting, particularly among children in Nigeria.
Professor Cordelia Ebenebe emphasized that farming African Palm Weevils and Golden Apple Snails holds significant economic value and presents a viable path to wealth creation for many individuals.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs. Ifeyinwa Uzoka, encouraged the public to explore alternative protein sources and align with evolving global practices. She noted that insect farming is gaining widespread acceptance around the world, not only as a food source but also in medical applications and the production of consumables such as snacks, chocolates, noodles, ice cream, baked goods, and even beer.
Mrs. Uzoka urged participants to take full advantage of the training, describing it as a chance to gain transformative knowledge that could lead to improved livelihoods.
The lead trainer, Barr Madala Chandra Sekhar, expressed his enthusiasm about being in Nigeria to support the growth of African Palm Weevil and Golden Apple Snail farming.
He pledged to provide comprehensive training that would empower participants with the skills needed to drive nutrition, employment, and economic development through these innovative agricultural practices.
