Farmers in Akwa Ibom State have again been  reminded on the need to invest more on the cultivation of Jantropha trees for the production of bio-fuel.

The Chairman of All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Akwa Ibom state branch, Chief Michael Udo Akpan, stated this at a meeting with farmers in Uyo

He said the tree has been found to be very resourceful in the production of bio-diesel which is an alternative source of fuel.

Many nations according to Akpan, have started cultivating the wonder plant in commercial quantity but unfortunately Nigeria is yet to exploit its production.

Akpan revealed that the tree which has a life span of 40-50 years could be harvested three times in a year and could do well on any type of soil.

The tree he disclosed, if planted on one hectare of land is capable of producing more than, 2226 gallons of fuel.

"Janthropha grows short and adapts to all weather conditions so you farmers should as a matter of urgency commence cultivation of the tree in commercial quantity to enable Akwa Ibom take the lead in the south he said.

So far, he noted, that the federal government has continued to give recognition to the production of the tree as a cash crop, by its inclusion in the N200billion commercial agriculture scheme.

He disclosed that a resource person would soon visit the state to sensitise the people on the value of the tree and urged farmers to embrace its cultivation as it would soon become another money spinner in the country.

He commended Governor Godswill Akpabio for paying attention to farmers and urged farmers to reciprocate the gesture by being proactive.