The surge in cost of palm oil, among other food items in notable producing areas of Oyo state has been solely attributed to dwindling number of palm tree climbers.
This is against other reasons being speculated as observed by an agricultural expert, Mr. Kayode Okunlola who advocated the need for mass introduction of hybrid palm tree seedlings to farmers to address the production shortage.
While blaming the youths for their inability to see tree climbing as a lucrative vocation worthy of venturing into, Mr. Okunlola maintained that not all high cost of food items should be blamed on fuel subsidy removal.
The agriculturist also called for improved modern production techniques and equipments to boost supply.
According to market survey in Oyo town, a twenty five litre keg of palm oil sold for about twenty five thousand naira last three weeks now sells between twenty eight and thirty thousand naira as at 4th April, 2024.