Anambra state farmers have been charged to continue to cultivate, especially in commercial quantity, Biofortified crops enriched with vitamin A, cassava, maize and orange fleshed sweet potatoes for Export.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Nnamdi Onukwwuba, gave the charge at a one day workshop on Development of Cassava Value Chain for Export, held in Awka, Anambra state capital.
Speaking on the theme of the workshop, “Harnessing the Export Potentials of Cassava, Commissioner Onukwwuba described Yellow Cassava as Gold, as it has lots of commodities value Chain as can be found in pharmaceutical and food for consumption.
The Commissioner represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture and Export, Dr Okay Okwuosa, hinted that Cassava has large growing Market both locally and internationally and remarked that Anambra State huge potential in Cassava export.
He listed the exportable products to include cassava Chip, pellets, flour, Starch, glucose, Tapioca, and Garri.
In her key note address, the State Head, Nigeria Export Promotion Council, Awka, Mrs Jane – Ego Ohiri, appreciated the efforts of Governor Willie Obiano and Commissioner Nnamdi Onukwwuba amongst other Stakeholders in championing the cause of Biofortified crops enriched in vitamin A cassava, maize and Orange fleshed Sweet potatoes, as well as recently distributed Cassava stems for farmers in the 21 Local Government Areas in the state.
She implored all Participants to join in cultivating improved cassava Species for bountiful harvest and for foreign exchange for higher export earning.
In their separate speeches, National Secretary, Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Dr Ebele Ilodi, and the newly elected State Chairman of Nigeria Cassava Growers Association, Dr Peter Ejikeme, commended the organizers of the workshop and promised to make the state major cassava grower.
She promised to help spread the good news on Radios, Televisions and other media outfits, describing Biofortified Cassava, maize and fleshed Sweet potatoes as viable crops
The Director, Technical Services in the training and partner to Harvest Hlus, Mr Emeka Okoli, educated the participants on enormous health benefits of Biofortified crops and on good agronomic practices to enable them have bumper harvest.
He advised youths to embrace Agriculture value Chain for wealth Creation and employment and harped on the numerous off takers waiting to off take their produce.
Some of the Participants, Prince Kenechukwu Ebelendu from Aguluezechukwu, Nneka Anoliefo from Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, as well as Mrs Uju Nwankwo, promised to put the knowledge garned into good use and called for sustainance of the workshop.
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