FG: Quality Cassava Derivatives Will Boost Export Earnings

James Emejo in Abuja

The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, has called for the development of a robust, commercially driven, and economically viable cassava sector that will not only contribute to food and nutrition security but also unleash the commodity’s export potential.

The minister said the federal government will continue to support its agencies to promote boundless opportunities that exist in the cassava sub-sector.

Speaking at the Pan-African Quality Infrastructure, Africa Cassava Conference in Abuja, the minister said the conference was welcoming given that the importance of ensuring standardisation in derivatives of cassava products cannot be over-emphasised.

He said providing quality cassava derivatives will facilitate an increase in local and export demand for the product leading to enhanced efficiency and production of the crop.

Represented by Director, Federal Department of Agriculture (FDA), Mr. Abdullahi Abubakar, the minister said the outcome of the conference will no doubt bring about an increase in the average yields in cassava; boost the stakeholders’ revenues; incorporate quality control inspection and certification system; encourage appropriate technology for rapid multiplication of the cassava and create jobs and wealth for Nigerians.

He explained that quality and standardisation will drive the sustainable growth of the commodity derivatives including increased investment opportunity, provision of credit facilities for players in the sub-sectors as well as facilitated the provision of affordable insurance and legal services for farmers/players in the sub-sector.

In her remarks, Project Manager, Africa Cassava Conference 2023, Ms. Heather-Ronke Akanni, said with the declaration of a State of Emergency on food security by President Bola Tinubu, under the Renewed Hope Agenda and considering the country’s comparative advantage in the commodity value chain, “I make bold to say that cassava is the messiah crop.”