We’ll turn Benue cassava to Nigeria’s crude oil – Expert

Benue’s cassava could become Nigeria’s “crude oil” if the region invests in processing and takes its agricultural products to global markets, according to Green Harvest Stuffs CEO Prince Joshua Apeh.

Apeh spoke during a farmers’ awareness and mobilisation programme and the launch of the Green Harvest Cooperative Society in Benue South Senatorial District. He said the district’s cassava resources could support large-scale industries, but farmers had been unable to capture their produce’s full value because processing facilities remained inadequate.

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Our cassava is our crude oil. Just as crude oil transformed the fortunes of nations, cassava can transform the fortunes of our people if we are willing to invest in it, process it, add value to it and take it to the global market.

“Our cassava is our crude oil,” Apeh said. “Just as crude oil transformed the fortunes of nations, cassava can transform the fortunes of our people if we are willing to invest in it, process it, add value to it and take it to the global market.”

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This is a new dawn for the people of Idoma and for Nigeria. With the capacity we have here, we can end hunger in Nigeria and across West Africa, just as crude oil once changed the fortunes of this nation.

He said cassava could provide food products and industrial materials, as well as raw materials for bioethanol and biofuel. That potential, he argued, could create jobs, support economic transformation and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. He also described Idoma land as capable of becoming a major carbohydrate and renewable-energy hub if its agricultural resources were properly developed.

The cooperative was established to help farmers access inputs, financing, mechanisation and guaranteed markets. Apeh said the arrangement would give farmers an off-taking market after harvest, reduce losses and strengthen food security. About 3,000 farmers had obtained registration forms, with more expected to join after the mobilisation programme. Apeh said Green Harvest Food Stuffs was positioned to support millions of Nigerians and align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

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We want to create a new environment for farmers, where they have an already off-taking market. They don’t need to struggle to sell their products after harvesting. We also want to secure food security and reduce harvest losses.