Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed Umar
From Muhammad Ahmad Saka, in Bauchi
First Class Emir in Gombe State, Mai Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Mohammed Umar has encouraged cassava farming as a solution to the country’s lingering hunger, poverty and food insecurity.
Mai Katungo said this when he answered questions from reporters at the end of the community self help farming in his farm in Kaltungo.
He said he started the cassava farming as a solution to hunger in one of his commumities called Ture Balam, and that he got the seeds from Taraba State.
He cited that in Taraba, farmers usually plant the cassava and after one year, it was harvested with over seven truckloads of cassava.
The monarch said he is also introducing the cassava farming to other communities, and that gradually it will go round all communities in the area.
He said “if Allah help us, Gombe State will become the largest producers of cassava.”
He said he once discussed the advantages of cassava farming during security meeting and Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya picked interest, and he directed each local government to cultivate five hectares of land for cassava farming.
“if we all embrace the farming, we will become one of the largest producers,” he said.
Mai Kaltungo said production of cassava is cheaper than production of rice and maize because it does not require any fertilizer and is less costly.
“once you plant it, if it grows you will only wait to harvest it after one year”.
While urging the Federal Government and relevant policymakers to embrace cassava farming,the monarch said that the production and consumption of garri (Nigerian staple made from processed cassava tubers) could tackle food insecurity.
“Promoting cassava farming on a larger scale could provide job opportunities for millions of unemployed Nigerians, especially rural dwellers,”
The monarch called on governments at all levels to support farmers’ contribution to the nation’s food security and urged the government to intervene particularly in the areas of investment, technological advancements, favourable government policies to boost their productivity.
“Cassava farming has its own demands, but requires little capital investment, and has the potential for significant income generation. By encouraging farmers to engage in cassava cultivation, we can tackle both food insecurity and unemployment in one fell swoop.
“Together, we can create a future where agriculture is not only seen as a source of sustenance but also as a thriving business venture. By supporting our farmers, we can ensure food self-sufficiency and economic empowerment for all Nigerians,” he said.
He called on the government to diversify the agricultural sector to address the root causes of hunger and unemployment.
Many people interviewed in the farm expressed their gratitude to the monarch for his commitment to their wellbeing.
They said it was a joyous moment and a blessing working in the farm of Mai Kaltungo.
