Sesame farming, main source of income for 5 million farmers in Nigeria- Gov. Ganduje
…Kano is the biggest Sesame market in Nigeria
…describes Sesame as the most sought cash crop
By Ibrahim Adamu://
The Kano state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has said that Kano with its commercial potentials being the biggest agricultural commodity hub in Africa is also the biggest Sesame market in Nigeria.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna stated this on Thursday in Kano while declaring open a Sesame seed conference with the theme-“Developing the Sesame seed value chain for sustainable growth” organised by the National Sesame Seed Association in collaboration with Kano State Government.
According to him, the conference will create an avenue for stakeholders in the industry to identify the most effective ways to promote value chain development in the Sesame seed sector and to also discuss mutually beneficial trade opportunity so as to improve economic development and livelihood of smallholder farmers.
The Governor describes Sesame seed as the most sought cash crop in terms of export value in Nigeria, being one of the fastest growing sectors due to its foreign exchange earnings and as a main source of income for about 5 million smallholder farmers.
He however assured that his administration is committed to towards enhancing the production of Sesame both in terms of quantity and quality through financing, improved techniques and productivity.
Speaking, the Minister of Agriculture & Rural Development, Alh. Muhammad Sabo Nanono highlighted the interventions given to the National Sesame Seed Association in the development of the sub-sector include the distribution of high yielding black, white and brown variety sesame seeds to boost productivity.
Similarly, he said 20 sesame cleaning machines were also distributed, in addition 2 model sesame processing centres were established in Nassarawa and Kano States respectively.
On her part, the Minister of State for Industries, Trade and Investment Ambassador Maryam Katagum represented by a Deputy Director Mr.Irimiya Kaura explained that the ministry is committed towards providing enabling environment that will enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural commodities in the global trade.
She also revealed that in continuation of developing sesame seed, the ministry is implementing a robust agribusiness and industry development initiative to draw investment to the non oil sector in the country.
Speaking earlier the President of the National Sesame Seed Association Of Nigeria, Alh. Sherif Balogun stated that for the past 5years they have been working assiduously to promote the sesame seed value chain as well as increasing the production from 300,000 metric tons to over 500,000 tons.
He therefore called on the public to engage in massive sesame production and processing in order to benefit from government policies like the Anchor Borrowers Programme.
While appreciating the Kano State Government for partnering with them in organising the conference, he also commended Governor Ganduje for his support and effort towards making Kano a destination for agribusiness investment.
The event was attended by the Jigawa State Commissioner of Agriculture Alh.Muhammad Alhassan who represented Gov. Badaru Abubakar,Chaiman House Committee on Agricultural Institutions Hon. Mannir Babba Dan Agundi and other stakeholders.