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The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged Federal Government to reconstitute the defunct Presidential Committee on the Cassava Initiative Programme, known as ‘Composite Cassava Flour of 2002’, with the aim of improving the welfare of cassava peasant farmers in the country. The lawmakers also tasked management of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to direct the Bank of Agriculture (BoA), Bank of Industry (BoI) and other relevant financial institutions to pave the way for easy access to short-term loans in favour of farmers. The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of a motion on the need to provide Cassava Processing Machines and Short-Term loans to Nigeria Cassava Farmers’, sponsored by Hon. Canice Moore Chukwuugozie Nwachhukwu. In his lead debate, Hon. Nwachukwu explained that Cassava production in Nigeria is developing as an organised agricultural crop with locally established processing techniques for food products and livestock feeds. He observed that the crop is produced in almost all the 36 States of the Federation, including the FCT. Its peels have a high level of Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN), particularly in bitter cassava varieties, which are common in Nigeria. “They are used as an energy supplement in cattle, which can partly replace 30% of total Dry Matter Intake (DMI) energy concentrates, with no influence on the intake, digestibility, microbial efficiency and nitrogen retention. It is in fact an antidote to many cattle diseases. “The House is aware that the planting of cassava is in four planting seasons across the country’s six geopolitical zones and is therefore available all year round. ALSO READ: FG allocates N450m worth of fertiliser to farmers in Jigawa “The House is also aware that cassava processing machines and short-term loans, if provided, will make the effective and hygienic transformation of cassava into garri and fufu possible. This will give the farmers access to a better market share with good selling prices, which will ultimately increase their income while contributing their quota in feeding the nation and increase Gross Domestic Product (GDP). “As being yearned for, diversification of the Nigerian economy could be achieved by using cassava as an alternative to crude oil to earn substantial amounts of foreign exchange through massive cultivation both for local consumption and export. “The House observes that cassava displays an exceptional ability to adapt to climate change, with tolerance to low soil fertility and resistance. drought conditions, pests, and diseases, with the ability to store iso8!g8"99 periods underground even after they mature. Use of fertilisers is limited, and it is also sown on fallow lands. Also observes that cassava, which is rich in starch in the form of carbohydrate, has multiple uses. It is consumed in many processed forms and also serves as livestock feed for cattle and other animals. Its tubers are made into flours, garri or fufu, which are some of our staple foods. “Its other products include: dry extraction of starch, glue or adhesives and modified starch for use in the pharmaceutical industry, particularly through its utilisation as starch in drug formulations. As an excipient in tablet manufacturing and a capsule filling agent, cassava starch offers valuable functionalities that enhance the efficacy, stability, and affordability of pharmaceutical products. “The House is disturbed that with more than 40 cassava varieties in use, 90% of producers in Nigeria are small-scale farmers with limited or no access to modern processing machines or working capital in order to be self-reliant. “The House is also disturbed that Nigeria, being one of the major producers of cassava in Africa, processes about 90% of the root plant into finished products and consumes it locally. Processing is mainly done at a cottage level by women using low-level technology due to an inappropriate packaging system and difficulty in acquiring appropriate technical equipment and finances. “The House is dismayed that the hygiene condition is very poor and these small-scale farmers are facing serious production and profit losses along the local value chain lines,” he noted. To this end, the lawmakers also urged Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to embark on massive value chain training of peasant farmers on cassava production, processing and packaging. To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Agricultural Production and Services and Legislative Compliance to ensure compliance and report within four weeks for further legislative action. NIGERIAN TRIBUNE EXPOSED!! POPULAR ABUJA DOCTOR REVEALED HOW NIGERIA MEN CAN NOW NATURALLY AND PERMANENTLY CURE POOR ERECTION,QUICK EJACULATION, SMALL AND SHAMEFUL SIZE , WITHOUT SIDE EFFECTS. EVEN IF YOU ARE HYPERTENSIVE,DIABETES, OR BATTLING PROSTRATE...STOP THE USE OF HARD DRUG FOR SEX!! IT KILLS!. WATCH TOP VIDEOS FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE TV Back to School, Back to Business A Fresh Start Relationship Hangout: Public vs Private Proposals – Which Truly Wins in Love?
