The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD), Dr Ernest Umakhihe, has urged scientists and other stakeholders in the cassava value chain to improve on the varieties.
Umakhihe, who made the call yesterday, at the Annual Meeting of NextGen Cassava Project in Abuja, was represented by the Deputy Director, Roots and Tuber Division in the Ministry, Dr Raji Bamidele.
He stressed the need for concerted efforts by stakeholders to facilitate how genetic improvement of cassava can realise its potential yield level in Nigeria.
He said the interaction between the national cassava research scientists and specialists from other continents will contribute immensely in addressing the challenges facing the cassava sub-sector.
He said the Buhari administration will continue to drive the economic diversification agenda from crude oil to agriculture.
“The sector has continued to gain prominence as shown in its continuous contribution to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“Between April and June, agriculture has contributed 23.2 per cent of the total GDP, in spite of challenges such as flood, climate change and other natural disasters, insecurity, banditry and kidnapping among others,” he said.
…the interaction between the national cassava research scientists and specialists from other continents will contribute immensely in addressing the challenges facing the cassava sub-sector.
Head, National Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) Abuja Station, Prof. Lateef Sanni, said there was a need to improve cassava varieties genetically to boost food sufficiency.
“We will continue to partner with Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other partners and stakeholders in the cassava value chain for farmers to get the best seeds,” he said, and commended the Federal Government for hosting the IITA in Abuja since 1991.
The Registrar, National Variety Release Committee (NVRC), Dr Sunday Aladele, said the committee has registered over 706 varieties of 39 crops including cassava.
“Cassava is one of the most important root crops which contribute significantly to the livelihood of millions of people in sub-Saharan Africa.
“It plays an important role for the supply of carbohydrates and vitamins, which in most cases serve as a substitute,” he said.
Aladele said the meeting will help to envision what is in the pipeline for future cassava improvement for food security and industrial uses.
He, however, appealed to other scientists to take a cue from modern techniques being deployed by NextGen to fast-track crop improvement. (NAN)
