A first class Emir in Gombe State, Mai Kaltungo Engineer Saleh Mohammed Umar, has described cassava farming as a solution to the lingering hunger, poverty and food insecurity in the country..
The monarch said this when he answered questions from reporters at the end of community self help farming in his farm in Kaltungo.
He said he started cassava farming as a solution to hunger in one of his communities called Ture Balam, adding that he got the seed from Taraba Statr.
He said one year after they planted the cassava, it was harvested and over seven trucks were loaded.
The monarch said he is also introducing cassava farming to the second community and gradually it will go round all communities in the area.
He said “If Allah helps us Gombe State will become the largest producer of cassava.”
The traditional ruler said he once discussed its advantage during security meeting and Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya picked interest where he directed each local government to cultivate five hecters of land for cassava farming.
“If we all embrace the farming we will become one of the largest producers,” Mai Kaltungo said, adding that production of cassava is cheaper than production of rice and maize “because it doesn’t require any fertilizer and is less costly.”
While urging the Federal Government and relevant policymakers to embrace cassava farming, the monarch said the production and consumption of garri (Nigerian staple made from processed cassava tubers) could tackle food insecurity.
“Promoting cassava farming on a larger scale could provide job opportunities for millions of unemployed Nigerians, especially rural dwellers,” he said.
The monarch called on governments at all levels to support farmers’ contribution to the nation’s food security and urged the government to intervene particularly in the areas of investment, technological advancements, favourable government policies to boost their productivity.
“Cassava farming has its own demands, but requires little capital investment, and has the potential for significant income generation. By encouraging farmers to engage in cassava cultivation, we can tackle both food insecurity and unemployment in one fell swoop.
“Together, we can create a future where agriculture is not only seen as a source of sustenance but also as a thriving business venture. By supporting our farmers, we can ensure food self-sufficiency and economic empowerment for all Nigerians,” he said.
He called on the government to diversify the agricultural sector to address the root causes of hunger and unemployment.
The monarch said he introduced cassava farming to his communities as a solution to hunger, unemployment and economic activities.
Mai Kaltungo said any community he planted cassava they will harvest it after one year and he donated the harvest to the community which serves as eye opener and capital.
Many people interviewed at the farm expressed their gratitude to the monarch for his commitment to their wellbeing. They said its a joyous moment and a blessing working on the farm of Mai Kaltungo.
