By Abdullahi Alhassan In a renewed call for agricultural transformation and food security in Nigeria, Hajiya Halima Zubairu Danbatta, Chair...
By Abdullahi Alhassan
In a renewed call for agricultural transformation and food security in Nigeria, Hajiya Halima Zubairu Danbatta, Chairperson of the Nigerian Cassava Farmers Growers Association, Kano State Chapter, has emphasized the crucial role of women in cassava production.
Danbatta, a former House of Assembly candidate from Danbatta Local Government Area of Kano State, made the call during a visit to cassava seedling banks in Gwarzo Local Government Area.
According to her, cassava farming has the potential to drive economic growth, reduce youth unemployment, and contribute significantly to food sufficiency in Nigeria.
“Cassava production can be a game-changer for our economy and our youths,” she said. “If our young people are fully engaged in cassava production, it will not only boost the economy but also reduce restiveness among them.”
Danbatta called on government at all levels to support cassava farmers with soft loans and modern mechanized equipment to enhance productivity and improve livelihoods.
“We need the government’s support to take cassava production to the next level. With the right tools and resources, we can increase our yield and improve the quality of our products,” she noted.
Highlighting the role of women in agriculture, Danbatta stressed that empowering women in cassava farming is essential for sustainable food systems.
“Women are the backbone of our society, and their involvement in cassava production is vital for achieving food security,” she said. “We must encourage more women to take up cassava farming and provide them with the support and resources they need to succeed.”
She also pointed to the export potential of cassava and its capacity to generate employment and stimulate economic development.
“Cassava production can create jobs for our teeming youth population and significantly contribute to economic growth,” she said. “We must harness this potential and create a favorable environment for farmers.”
Danbatta commended the Kano State Government for its commitment to cassava development, urging continued investment and support to position the state as a leading hub for cassava production in Nigeria.
“Kano State has made remarkable progress in promoting cassava farming. With the right policies and consistent support, we can make it a national leader in the cassava value chain,” she said.
The chairperson also outlined key benefits of cassava, describing it as a versatile crop capable of providing food, income, and industrial materials.
“Cassava is not only a food crop but also an industrial raw material with wide-ranging applications,” she explained. “It has the potential to transform our economy if properly harnessed.”
However, Danbatta highlighted challenges confronting cassava farmers, including inadequate access to credit facilities and mechanization.
“To overcome these challenges, we need structured government support. If farmers are well-equipped, Nigeria can achieve both food security and economic diversification,” she said.
She concluded by reaffirming cassava’s importance in Nigeria’s food and economic landscape.
“With the right policies and investment, cassava production can become a major pillar of our economy and a pathway to improving the quality of life for millions of Nigerians,” she added.
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