News in Brief:
– Kogi state is launching a major initiative to boost cassava production including hiring over 1,000 extension workers, providing resources to farmers, and ensuring accessibility of information.
– This project has the potential to improve food security and unlock industrial opportunities for cassava processing.
Nigeria’s Kogi state is taking a big step towards boosting cassava production, according to a press statement by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Timothy Ojoma. He disclosed that the government plans to hire over 1,000 extension workers to provide farmers with up-to-date knowledge and best practices for cassava cultivation.
Also, the plan includes providing resources to farmers, such as tractors, improved cassava stems, fertilisers, and even land clearing for cultivation.
Additionally, to ensure accessibility for all farmers, the extension materials will be translated into the three main languages spoken in Kogi state. This will equip farmers with the knowledge they need to adapt to climate change and achieve optimal results.
Furthermore, the government has trained enumerators to conduct biometric registration of all farmers in the state. The data collection will be used to address the needs of Kogi’s agricultural sector.
Industry support for Kogi’s cassava initiative
Meantime, the initiative has been met with positive responses from industry leaders. The National President of the Cassava Cottage Processing Marketing Association (CACOPMAN), Segun Ilori, highlighted the potential benefits for farmers. He mentioned existing government and NGO incentives available to them.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Kogi State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Salihu Adobauji, urged cassava farmers to persevere through economic hardships and continue producing food for the state.
CACOPMAN Chairman, Ufana Hussein, echoed the optimism surrounding the project. He pointed out the vast industrial potential of cassava processing. These he said included the production of starch, cooking gas, organic fertiliser, animal feed and various cassava products like garri and fufu.
