Politics
THE National Association of Bambara Nut Producers, Processors, and Marketers of Nigeria (NABAPPMAN) has assured the Federal Government of its commitment to create more jobs in Bambara nut value chain
President of NABAPPMAN, Dr Ezedioranma Aniagu, gave the assurance at the maiden inauguration of the executive officers of the association on Wednesday in Abuja.
The formal inauguration was performed by the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Nasir Gwarzo.
Aniagu described the occasion as a call to boost service delivery in the entire Bambara nut value chain.
He said the nut consisted of carbohydrate, protein, fat, fiber, vitamins, minerals such as manganese, potassium, fluoride, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, selenium, sodium, iron and copper.
Aniagu said the association would do everything possible to explore the entire value chain to commercial level in Nigeria, to solve challenges of food and hunger in the country and diaspora.
The president identified challenges facing members as, market accessibility, farmers’ empowerment fund, farmers’ equipment support, processors and exportation support fund.
Aniagu noted other challenges to include support fund, accessibility of funds from financial institutions and other agro – allied institutions, sensitization of farmers.
He identified some value chain in bambara to include powder for preparation of pounded yam or garri, fried as groundnut, boiled, cooked as local moimoi delicacy, among others.
Earlier, Gwarzo, described bambara nut as the third most important nut in terms of social economic development of the country.
The Permanent Secretary urged the association to stimulate the value chain inherent in the nut.
Gwarzo asserted that for the nation to witness progress in bambara nut production in the next 10 years, the association must leave the production aspect for the rural farmers.
He said, subsequently, the association must dwell more on the economic value chain of the nut.
The Permanent Secretary urged the association to put in place ambitious work plan of its target and ensure all its members have something to show in terms of bambara nut value chain.
Gwarzo urged them to work assiduously in ensuring that the nut competes with Sesame seed and petroleum the country.
“The association should stimulate consumption; ensure it is added to the Federal Government School Feeding Programme and innovation. In essence, you are stimulating production and economy,” he said. (NAN)
– Oct. 7, 2020 @ 16:05 GMT |
Tags: Association to create more jobs through Bambara nut value chain
