The increase in the price of cassava tubers has impacted positively on farmers, Dr David Ogunsade, the Chairman of Cassava Growers Association in Osun, has said.
Ogunsade, who is also the Southwest Chairman of the association, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Imesi-Ile in Obokun Local Government Area on Thursday, that the development had paved way for growers of the product to make impressive gains in six months.
He said the development had changed the fortunes of cassava farmers and allowed them access tfunds for the expansion of their farms, acquire inputs and other incentives for farm management.
He said that farmers in the state sold no fewer than 35,000 tonnes of cassava tubers from January to date, adding that one tone of cassava tuber now goes for N25,000 compared to N10,000 in 2012.
“The greater demand for cassava tubers by local industries coupled with high demand for cassava chips outside the country is responsible for the price increase.
“What is happening now is an opportunity for able-bodied Nigerians, irrespective of status, to invest in the sector so as to increase production and meet both national and international demand.
“Investment in the sector is lucrative with no risk.”
He further said that farmers had started receiving fertilisers at subsidised rate under the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) of the Federal Government.
“Also, each of the registered farmers across the state has received 20 kg of treated maize and rice for planting freely under the scheme.
He appealed to beneficiaries to plant and maintain their farms properly, so as to have bumper harvest at the end of the season.
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