Plateau Flags off Seeds Multiplication Farm to Boost Cassava Harvest

From Agabus Pwanagba, Jos

In its efforts to boost cultivation of Cassava, the Plateau State Government said it will establish 100 hectares of seeds multiplication farms in the state’s three senatorial districts.

Plateau state governor Jonah Jang

State Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Stephen Barko, disclosed this in Jos the state capital on Saturday, in a meeting with some officials of the Ministry, Plateau Agricultural Development Programme (PADP), Fadama III and members of the state’s chapter of Cassava Growers Association.

The Commissioner explained that the seeds multiplication farm was to generate seeds to be given to farmers free of charge, for massive cultivation of cassava in Plateau state, adding when fully operational, the processing industry would be producing 50 tons of starch.

Barko revealed that 100 hectares of the multiplication farm would produce cassava
cuttings that would be planted in 1000 hectares.

Giving the breakdown, Commissioner Barko pointed out that 51, 30 and 19 hectares would be allotted to the Southern, Central and Northern zones respectively. He disclosed that the objectives would be achieved through collaboration with the state relevant agricultural agencies.

He informed that to start with, about 500 bundles of one metre of cassava cuttings were needed for 100 hectares of the multiplication farm, while 5000 bundles would go for 1000 hectares.

Barko, who described the development as a win-win situation for farmers, said the Ministry would purchase the cuttings from farmers to plant in the multiplication farms and later give to them free of charge.

The requisite training Agric Commissioner indicated would be provided by Fadama III while the Ministry would help farmers on how to get soft loans from financial institutions for effective development of the programme.

In his remarks, the Plateau Chairman of Cassava Growers Association Bawa Tsenlong, expressed delight over government’s gesture, confirming it was the first time it was including them in its programmes. He guaranteed with the new development, members would triple the quantity needed for the industry and ensure that the best was achieved in cassava cultivation in the state.