The Nigeria Cassava Growers Association(NCGA)has allocated 12,000 acres of land in Oyo state,Nigeria,for cultivating cassava,as a part of its strategy to meet the demand for cassava bread in the state and the country.
This move is in line with the government's policy to boost the production of cassava and popularize cassava bread.
NCGA chairman Muideen Adekunle said that about 22 metric tonnes are expected to be produced per acre,using improved stem cuttings from the government
"Cassava and its by-products are in high demand abroad.All farmers need is the right connection and enabling environment,"he said.
NCGA also plans to establish cassava processing industries in the three senatorial districts of the state,reported the Nigerian Tribune.
Cassava is the third most important calorie source in the tropics and about 600 million people in Africa,Asia and Latin America depend on cassava for food and income,according to the International Fund for Agricultural Development(IFAD).
