By Joan Jones
To promote agriculture in Kogi State, the International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD), organised a one day advocacy and policy dialogue on Cassava value chain (import substitution) with farmers and stakeholders in Lokoja on Friday.
The State Coordinator of Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Dr. Stella Adejoh, said Cassava, the fastest and readily available staple food, has continued to gain prominence in the world according to Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
She said, Cassava farmers have continued to face challenges ranging from communal clashes and farmers/herders’ clash and this, she added, has led to poor harvest and unavailability of the food crop.
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According to her, the advocacy dialogue is to chart a way forward for farmers and importers of Cassava products.
Dr. Stella added that efforts are on the way to increase production to boost and transform the economy through agribusiness for sustainable food production, job creation as well as wealth creation.
The goal of VCDP is to reduce rural poverty, accelerate economic growth, support women, men and youths who are ready to go into farming with the necessary tools and finance.
The focal Local Government Areas are, Ajaokuta, Kabba-Bunu, Lokoja, Ibaji and Olamaboro.
While speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Timothy Ojomah, said Kogi State would continue to support and promote farmers because without them, there won’t be a Kogi.
In his presentation titled; ‘The Cassava Value Chain: Prospects, Opportunities and Challenges in Nigeria,’ the Chairman, Cassava Agro Industries Services Ltd., Mr. Boma Simeon Anga, said Kogi State ranks first in Cassava production and importation in Nigeria.
He said there are many benefits that could be got from the product which includes, Ethanol, which could serve as a substitute for fuel; glucose, sweeteners and many more.
He added that Cassava is the biggest subsector of Agriculture, stating that “No part of Cassava is a waste. The leaves and peels can fetch you a lot of money if you are ready to go into the business.”
He urged farmers to take the planting seasons seriously in order to get bountiful harvest.
Another speaker, Honourable Agada Paul, who is the National Project Director, Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, said “I had nothing until I went into cassava farming in 2014 but today, I am comfortable.”
In his remark, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Aliyu Umar Yusuf, represented by the Member representing Ogori/Magongo Local Government Area, Honourable Bode Ogunmola, said VCDP and the Assembly need to be on the same page as they would make laws to benefit rural farmers.
He reiterated the resolve of the state government, to provide food for all through Agricultural intervention programmes.
Highlight of the programme include goodwill messages from top government officials.
