Nigeria’s agriculture requires a very strong boost because of increasing population and decreasing land resources due to environmental factors. This paper discussed the dynamics of agriculture and the important role of mechanization in providing the needed boost. The national agricultural policies and their impact on Nigeria’s agriculture were highlighted emphasizing the previous and present roles of various organs of the government. After discussing the assets and liabilities of Nigeria’s agriculture, the paper posits that the agricultural environment must be properly managed for sustainable agricultural productivity in view of emerging information technology. The future expectations and challenges facing the Nigerian agricultural engineers, agriculturists, scientists and environmentalists were also highlighted. Keywords: Agriculture, engineering, environment, inputs, management, Nigeria.

ABSTRACT A study was designed to examine the mechanical-related problems facing palm kernel oil mills. Crushing sections and filter press were assessed. One of the mills has a standard laboratory testing facilities which was used to carry out such tests as oil content of the palm kernel species, percentage moisture content, percentage milling defect of the cake, and percentage moisture content of cake. Besides, samples of kernel seeds from truck was subjected to shell content analysis to ascertain the effect of moisture on oilseeds under open and close conditions. Effect of various moisture contents of the kernel seed samples was tested on the expeller. It was found that the storage condition was irrelevant as long as the storage is within 10 days. Excessive increment in moisture content of kernel seeds could reduce the expulsion ability and wear of mechanical parts of expeller. Reliable laboratory tests and analysis as well as proper maintenance would go a long way to boosting the productivity in the palm kernel oil industry.

Moisture content, duration and temperature of roasting are some of the critical parameters influencing oil expression. Effects of these parameters on palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) were determined to develop model equations. A 4 x 4 x 4 factorial design was used in the test resulting in a total of 64 samples. Each sample at moisture content 4.5, 5.9, 10.4, and 15.2 % all on wet basis (wb) and were roasted for 5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes each of which was carried out at temperatures of 70, 90, 110 and 130 Co. Data were analyzed, employing multiple regression technique to generate mathematical model. Adequacy of the model was authenticated by coefficient of determination 2R, F test and residual analysis criteria. The results obtained showed that oil yields decreased steadily with increase in moisture content. Increase in duration and temperature of roasting produced un-steady rise in oil yields. The maximum oil yield recorded was 47.0 % of the raw material equivalent to 94.7 % efficiency of oil expressed. This was achieved at kernel moisture content of 4.5 % wb, 5 minutes roasting duration and 130 Co roasting temperature. Mean oil yield was 25.8 % of the raw material. Coefficient of determination 2R at 95 % confidence level of the predictive model was 86 %, probability of prediction F, was 37.2 %. Moisture content influence is the most significant.