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– Pastor Segun Adewunmi says Nigeria can generate N20 trillion from cassava cultivation
– Adewunmi says cassava is one of the most reliable crop in the world
– He says the long awaited industrial revolution can be triggered by cassava processing
The national president of Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Pastor Segun Adewumi has said that Nigeria can benefit a lot if the nation beams its light on cassava cultivation and processing.
According to Adewumi, cassava can generate over N20 trillion for the country, annually if adequately utilised.
Adewumi stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday, September 12.
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He said that, cassava which was one of the most reliable cash crops in the world that could also be used to trigger industrial revolution and solve Nigeria’s economic problems.
Adewumi lamented that the country spent over N600 billion yearly to import ethanol and starch which were cassava derivatives that could be processed and sourced locally.
According to him, cassava has over 20 food types and three major industrial products like ethanol, starch and cassava flour which are raw materials for other products.
“Government should pay more attention to cassava, it has been neglected.
“By the time cassava is accorded the needed attention, it will take over crude oil. We have been trying to set up industries that will utilise cassava for the benefit of this country,’’ he said.
Adewumi therefore called on both the Federal and State Governments to provide lands for farmers to boost mechanise cassava farming. The national president noted that modern cassava cultivation required mechanisation to meet up with international best practices.
He further disclosed that making cultivable land available to cassava farmers would improve yields and create employment.
“When we import, we are exporting our job opportunities. The government should encourage setting up of industries and mechanise cassava farms. “I do not expect the government to give us free money, but to provide enabling environment by making loans and lands available.
“The only area where the government can come in with money is provision of infrastructure.
“ By the time we begin to have 500,000 hectares for mechanisation, the country will get out of this foreign exchange problem,’’ he explained.
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Meanwhile, the emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Sanusi II, has stated that he will not relent in advising the federal government on what to do to get out of the present economic recession.
Speaking shortly after the Eid prayer at Kofar Mata Eid ground, Emir Sanusi lamented the present economic hardship on the people.
He called on both federal and state governments to be up and doing in ensuring that the people they govern have some relief in the current economic recession.
Sanusi II urged the wealthy individuals to play their part in alleviating the suffering of the the people.
He also requested the governments at all level to support farmers with the modern farming techniques and quality seeds during rainy and dry season.
Emir Sanusi expressed joy as the nation witnessed a promising rainy season, which promises a bumper harvest.
Muhammad Sanusi also called on the general public to be conscious of their environment in evacuating drainages to avoid being victims of flood.
He cautioned politicians to put a stop to unhealthy politics, taking advantage of religion to score cheap political points that were divisive and above all unacceptable to the teachings of Islam.
He advocated empowerment for women, even as he called for concerted efforts towards ending polio endemic and malaria.
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