Emir encourages cassava farming to tackle hunger, unemployment (pictures)
Story by Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
A First Class Emir in Gombe State, Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed Umar, has suggested cassava farming as a solution to the country’s lingering hunger, poverty and food insecurity.
Mai Katungo said this when he answered questions from reporters at the end of a community self help farming in his farm in Kaltungo.
He said he started the cassava farming as a solution to hunger in one of his commumity called Ture Balam. He got the seeds from Taraba and after planting, the cassava was harvested after one year and the community loaded over seven trucks during the harvest.
The monarch said he is also introducing tha cassava farming to the second community and gradually it will go round all communities in the area.
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He said with the help of Allah, Gombe State will become the largest producers of cassava.
The emir said he once discussed the farming advantages during a security meeting and Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya picked interest, thereby directing each local government to allocate five hecters of land for cassava farming.
“If we all embrace the farming we will become one of the largest producers.”
Mai Kaltungo said production of cassava is more cheaper than production of rice and maize because it doesn’t require any fertilizer and is less expensive.
“Once you plant it and it grows, you will only wait to harvest it after one year.”
While urging the Federal Government and relevant policymakers to embrace cassava farming, the monarch said that the production and consumption of garri (Nigerian staple made from processed cassava tubers) could tackle food insecurity.
“Promoting cassava farming on a larger scale could provide job opportunities for millions of unemployed Nigerians, especially rural dwellers.”
The emir called on government at all levels to support farmers’ contribution to the nation’s food security and urged the government to intervene particularly in the areas of investment, technological advancements, favourable government policies to boost their productivity.
“Cassava farming has its own demands, but requires little capital investment and has the potential for significant income generation. By encouraging farmers to engage in cassava cultivation, we can tackle both food insecurity and unemployment.
“Together, we can create a future where agriculture is not only seen as a source of sustenance but also as a thriving business venture. By supporting our farmers, we can ensure food self-sufficiency and economic empowerment for all Nigerians,” he said.
He called on the government to diversify the agricultural sector to address the root causes of hunger and unemployment.
The monarch said he introduced cassava farming to his communities as a solution to hunger, unemployment and to boost economic activities.
Many people interviewed during the exercise expressed gratitude to the monarch for his commitment to their wellbeing.
Proofreading by Gift Luckson, Editor at Neptune Prime.
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