By Precious Mbaramah
To bolster local industries and promote sustainable growth, the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) has initiated a strategic partnership with Aglo Services International Ltd. This initiative was highlighted by a valuable industrial site visit to Aglo’s facility in Umuezeala Nsu, Ihitte Uboma LGA, where the company produces palm oil (PO), palm kernel oil (PKO), and palm kernel cake (PKC).
Led by Imo State Coordinator David Enemuo, the RMRDC team aimed to gain insights into Aglo Services’ operations and management team while promoting the Council’s objectives for the palm product industry. Established in 2018, the company has a production capacity of four tons per day for PKC and one metric ton per day for PKO. (Note: The capacity for palm oil production was not mentioned).
The facility utilizes locally fabricated equipment, including a steam boiler, digester, oil press, and fiber/kernel separator. However, Aglo Services faces significant production challenges due to a shortage of raw materials and inefficient manual production processes. These issues have resulted in high maintenance costs and a decline in product quality.
The General Manager, Mr. Chigozie Nwajiuba, has requested assistance in connecting with suppliers of palm kernels and palm fruit, as well as local fabricators of automated palm oil milling equipment. RMRDC has proposed further discussions to address these challenges and facilitate connections with local producers of palm fruits and kernels, equipment manufacturers, and suppliers of high-quality oil palm seedlings.
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The partnership has revealed opportunities to enhance production efficiency, including the production of Specialty Palm Oil (SPO) and the management of waste products such as palm kernel shell and palm fruit fiber. This initiative underscores RMRDC’s commitment to invigorating local industries and promoting innovation within the agricultural sector, thereby advancing the long-term viability and competitiveness of the palm product industry in Imo State.
