By Adeyinka Adeniran
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Thursday launched a mechanised cassava production and processing plant in Fashola farms, saying the move is in a bid to tackle the various challenges disrupting the huge potentials of cassava in the state.
At the event which was facilitated by the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF), Kenya with funding from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), Germany and technical support from Agridrive, stakeholders in cassava production and processing sector agreed that the adoption of technology and farm mechanisation holds the key to solving the myriads of challenges of post harvest loss, poor quality production and wastages.
The stakeholders including the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, Agridrive, farmers group, cassava processors among others said the huge potentials of cassava, which holds a special place in the agricultural landscape of the region is limited by challenges experienced on production, marketing and post-harvest management of the crop.
Other stakeholders from within and outside the country who attended the event include the National Root Crop Research Institute (NRCRI), International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Fund for the Promotion of Innovation in Agriculture (i4Ag), and Clayuca Corporation among others.
Speaking, Governor Makinde who was represented by the Commissioner for Agric, Olasukanmi Olaleye said cassava is not only a staple food crop but also a source of income and livelihood for millions of smallholder farmers and their families, hence the need to mechanise the processes for better productivity.
He said “This project introduces a new value-adding cassava processing machine that utilises the entire crop without peeling. Two products are generated, high quality cassava flour for human consumption and coarser flour as a byproduct of lower quality for the use as animal feed. Gas is the source of energy.
“Cassava is a vital crop for our economy and plays a crucial role in ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods for our people. However, traditional farming methods have often limited our potential for growth and productivity. The introduction of mechanized techniques will not only increase efficiency and yield but also empower our farmers to thrive in today’s competitive market.
“As we launch this project, let us remember that its success depends on the collective effort of all stakeholders involved. We must work together to provide support and resources to our farmers, ensuring that they have the tools and knowledge they need to embrace these new technologies.
“Furthermore, let us seize this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship. By adopting modern agricultural practices, we can minimize our impact on the environment while maximizing the benefits for our communities.”
In his remarks, Executive Director, AATF, Dr Canisius Kanangire said the project will transform cassava production and processing, unlock new economic opportunities, and build a more prosperous future for cassava farmers and processors across our region.
He said the mechanization of cassava production and processing holds immense promise in revolutionizing the way farmers cultivate, harvest, and process cassava.
Lamenting that cassava yields in Nigeria average at less than 10 MT/ha against a potential of up to 30 MT/HA, he said the huge yield gap is attributable to the use of low yielding varieties, limited mechanization, and inadequate utilization of Good Agronomic Practices (GAPs).
He added that the launch is in line with the government and private sector initiatives to boost the cassava processing industry in order to reduce post harvest losses, create employment opportunities, and enhance the sector’s contribution to the economy.
The Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology who was represented by his Special Adviser, Dr Robert Ngwu said the project is in line with the intention of the Federal government to improve cassava yield and production through the use of technology.
He said the major problem which the government had always seek to address was in the area of wastages and low quality production expressing optimism that the mechanisation of the sector will lead to further improvement.
In their separate remarks, cassava farmers, processors and garri makers including: Mrs Vitoria Olapoju, Oke Solomon and Sukurat Abdulsallam narrated their ordeals in retirement cassava peelers and workers for garri processing saying the mechanised will equipment will ease their burden.
They said the introduction of mechanized technologies presents a transformative opportunity to overcome the challenges and unlock the full potential of cassava production and processing.
