The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to facilitate easy access to short-term loans for cassava farmers nationwide, to improve production, farmer welfare and national food security.
In a resolution passed on Wednesday, lawmakers urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to direct the Bank of Agriculture, Bank of Industry (BoI) and other relevant financial institutions to prioritise credit access for cassava growers.
The House also advised the government to immediately reconstitute the defunct Presidential Committee on the Cassava Initiative Programme, also known as the “Composite Cassava Flour of 2002,” to improve the livelihoods of smallholder cassava farmers.
The House further directed the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to undertake a comprehensive value chain training programme for peasant farmers, with a focus on cassava production, processing, and packaging.
Moving the motion, Hon. Canice Moore Chukwuugozie Nwachukwu highlighted that cassava farming has evolved into a structured agricultural enterprise in Nigeria, with established local processing techniques for both human food and livestock feed.
He noted that cassava is cultivated in nearly all 36 states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and that its by-products, such as peels, are rich in Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN), which can serve as valuable energy supplements for cattle feed without affecting nutrient intake or digestibility.
According to Nwachukwu, the availability of four planting seasons across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones ensures that cassava can be produced year-round, providing farmers with steady income opportunities and better market access.
He stressed that the crop holds significant potential for economic diversification, noting that large-scale cassava cultivation for both domestic use and export could serve as an alternative to crude oil, generating substantial foreign exchange for the nation.
The lawmaker further emphasised that empowering cassava farmers with credit facilities, training, and processing support would not only improve their productivity but also advance Nigeria’s goal of achieving sustainable food systems and rural development.
Source: News National Star
