VARIETIES OF OIL PALM IN NIGERIA

Oil Palm originated from West Africa.

Grows in bunches with each carrying up to 1000 egg-shaped fruits that weigh 50 kg.

Nigeria is the 2nd leading exporter of palm oil after Malaysia.

varieties of oil palm

there are three major varieties of oil palm

this variety is ruling hybrid type and basically is the cross of shell-less pisifera (female) and this shelled dura (male)

This variety is thin-shelled and it is cultivated across the globe

this variety has a thick shell of 2 to 8 mm

this is a shell-less fruit-bearing variety

Forest belt around port Harcourt where it’s grown on small farms and Sapele and Calabar where it’s grown in estates.

Most palm oil and kernels are consumed locally and less than 50% are exported.

Most of the kernels are exported to Britain, W. Europe, and the U.S.A.