Gombe State Governor, Mohammed Inuwa has announced plans to expand on cassava cultivation in a move to address food security concerns and boost agricultural productivity in the state.
The initiative aims to double the state’s agricultural output, with cassava playing a pivotal role in the agricultural transformation.
Speaking to State House correspondents after meeting with President Bola Tinubu, the Governor outlined the state’s strategy to combat rising food prices and support its predominantly agrarian population.
“We decided to engage in cassava production because it is easier for our people. It doesn’t need a lot of fertilizer, requires less water, and needs less supervision to germinate,” the Governor explained.
The state government has already made significant strides in implementing this plan.
“We have now planted about 500 hectares, and our target is to have not less than 1,000 hectares committed to cassava production this farming season,” Governor Inuwa revealed.
Highlighting the versatility of cassava, the Governor noted its various uses to include production of garri, cassava flour – alubo, and its use even as a casual meal.
He explained that this versatility is expected to provide both food security and potential income sources for farmers.
Inuwa stressed that his government’s focus on cassava is part of a larger strategy to reinvigorate the cooperative systems in Gombe and provide direct support to peasant farmers, who make up 75-80% of the state’s population.
The Governor expressed confidence in the approach, stating, “I believe that our people are appreciative, and by the Grace of God, the harvest will be good. I assure you that we will double what we used to produce last year because of recent interventions.”
He also shared insights from his recent trip to Morocco, where he explored agricultural partnerships to boost productivity in Gombe State.
“Morocco has succeeded in developing both livestock and crop production despite challenging environmental conditions,” the Governor noted.
He highlighted potential collaborations with Moroccan partners to enhance livestock and crop production in Gombe State.
The Governor also addressed the delayed progress on a major development project in the state, which includes a 250,000-capacity refinery, a 350-megawatt power plant, and a 2,000-ton capacity fertilizer plant.
He noted that issues involving the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and project developers have led to stall the initiative, but expressed the hope that presidential intervention would help resume activities at the site.
On the topic of security, the Governor emphasised Gombe State’s relative stability compared to neighbouring regions affected by insurgency and banditry.
He stressed the importance of collaboration with security agencies and neighbouring states to maintain peace and security in the region.
Addressing the economic challenges facing Gombe’s predominantly agrarian population, the Governor said plans are underway to reinvigorate cooperative systems and provide direct support to farmers.
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