Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has approved 500 hectares of land for cassava cultivation across the 11 Local ocal Government Areas of the state.
Our correspondent reports that the measure is aimed at revolutionising agriculture and boosting food security in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Yahaya unveiled this move during a recent expanded security council meeting, our correspondent gathered on Wednesday.
During the meeting, the governor outlined the details of the programme, directing each of the 11 local government councils to earmark 40 hectares of land, specifically for cassava farming.
The decision to focus on cassava cultivation, according to the Governor, comes after extensive research into its nutritional value and versatility in food processing.
He emphasised that the step taken to boost cassava production, is not just about increasing agricultural output, but also about addressing the pressing issues of hunger and food scarcity as well as “our resolve to transform Gombe into a hub of cassava production in Africa. Cassava, a root crop, is known for its high carbohydrate content and its ability to thrive in various climatic conditions,” Yahaya added.
The governor expressed optimism that the project would significantly impact the economy of Gombe State by attracting traders and investors from across Africa and beyond. He reflected on the recent mission to the Kingdom of Morocco, where he led a delegation to understudy modern agricultural practices and technologies with a view to replicating same in the state.
The Governor, therefore, directed the Local Government Council Chairpersons to not only allocate the lands but also identify and provide necessary support to farmers, ensuring the successful implementation of the project in their respective areas.
Chairman of Gombe LGA, Barrister Sani Haruna, assured the governor of compliance saying “We are determined to stop at nothing to ensure the success of this initiative, as His Excellency’s commitment to the development of our state is unwavering, and I have full faith in our capacity to drive this project forward.”
Haruna, who doubles as the Gombe State ALGON Chairman, assured to work tirelessly to ensure that each local government area maximises the potential of the allocated land, stating that, “Our goal is to make Gombe State synonymous with high-quality cassava production.”
