Expert Charges FG On Cassava Production

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of International Agric Magazine, Ethiopia, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ihekigbo has called on Federal Government to encourage citizens to invest massively in cassava production.

He made the call during a national agriculture workshop organised by Brits Universal Ltd, Owerri in collaboration with Bread of Life Cassava Flour Bakery Industry Ltd, Abuja, in Owerri recently.

Ihekigbo described Nigeria as the number one producer of cassava worldwide, and urged farmers to invest in it so that it would not slip off from them as in the time of palm produce.

“Nigeria used to be the number one in the production of palm, but now it has slipped off its hands to Malaysia, an Asian Country.

“The Nigerian Government should take the advantage of the opportunity provided in the African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA),” he said.

Ihekigbo called on the banking industry to assist people or companies who are interested in investment of cassava production and processing, pointing out that it is profitable and lucrative.

“Cassava production will enhance food security; reduce unemployment and poverty due to the springing up of many small and medium scale cassava processing enterprises.

“This will usher in an era where Nigeria will be brought back to the path of prosperity,” he said.

The CEO stressed that cassava production and export provided golden opportunities, adding that cassava tubers provided the investor with a lot of products.

“We have primary products derived directly from cassava, such as: garri, garri flour, fufu flour, starch, cassava flour, chips, and ethanol among others. When processed further, a lot of secondary products are derived.

“These are the reasons why cassava is a golden plant. We advise all to be a part of it,” he said.

The theme of the workshop is “Job Creation, Economic Empowerment and Food Security in Nigeria via Investment in Agricultural Production and Processing.”