Cassava to complement petroleum resources as foreign exchange earner – Ogunsade

Osogbo – Dr David Ogunsade, the South-West Chairman of Cassava Growers Association, says the crop will soon complement petroleum resources as a major foreign exchange earner for Nigeria.
He said that the Jonathan administration had placed premium on cassava cultivation, processing and export to increase the revenue of the nation.
According to him, Nigeria is currently leading other countries in the production of cassava because its physical environment is very conducive for cassava cultivation.
“In the past, farmers grew cassava mainly for consumption and other domestic use, ignoring the investment opportunities which the industry offers.
“With the government’s  intervention through the provision of high yielding cassava varieties, credit facilities and other farm inputs, farmers are now aware of the enormous potential of cassava,’’ he said.
Ogunsade observed that the favourable environment for cassava cultivation coupled with the availability of foreign market had encouraged more farmers to invest in the crop.
He said the development would allow Nigeria to maintain its leading position in the world.
Ogunsade commended President Goodluck Jonathan for promoting cassava as an alternative means of enriching the nation and improving the living standard of many cassava farmers.
He appealed to all stakeholders to play their expected roles so as to achieve the purpose of government’s intervention in the sector.  (NAN)