The National Association of Cassava Growers has appointed the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Umar Farouk, as its grand patron.

The President of the association, Pastor Segun Adewunmi, who presented the letter of appointment to the emir, in Daura, on Thursday, said the appointment took immediate effect.

He said the association appointed the emir to such office because of his contributions to agriculture and wise counsel to the association.

According to Adewunmi, cassava production is one of the lucrative ventures capable of generating revenue for the nation, especially if the crop is promoted the same way as other cash crops.

He identified ethanol, flour, garri, starch and many other consumables that could be produced from cassava.

In his remarks, the Emir thanked the association for the appointment and promised to join hands with the association and stakeholders to promote production of cassava in commercial quantity.

Related News

According to him, the country is blessed with arable land for the cultivation of different cash crops.

Earlier, the state Chairman of the association, Alhaji Hassan Yanmarke, said the association had disbursed N250 million as loan to cassava growers in the state to boost their production.

Yanmarke said that 1,850 farmers received N150, 000 each from the loan, adding that the facility was sourced from the Bank of Agriculture (BOA) in the last two years.

The chairman, who said that efforts were being made to expand the scope of the beneficiaries, assured that the association would pursue with full determination the production of cassava.

“Now, there is ready made market for cassava and we advise farmers to consult us for advice,” Yanmarke said. (NAN)