By Our Correspondent – Jalingo, August 7, 2025
Cassava farming is rapidly emerging as a goldmine in Nigeria’s agricultural sector, with Taraba State now being spotlighted as a major frontier for growth, investment, and innovation in the cassava value chain.
This revelation was made by Mr. Zebedee Emmanuel, Production Manager at Tita Kuru Food Processing Company Limited, who emphasized that cassava is no longer just a subsistence crop but a profitable agribusiness venture capable of transforming the economic landscape of Taraba State and lifting rural communities out of poverty.
Speaking in Jalingo, Emmanuel noted that cassava's importance spans beyond its food value, citing its multifaceted use across various industries. “Cassava tubers, stems, and even the peels are no longer waste,” he said. “They serve as valuable raw materials for livestock feed, organic manure, industrial starch, high-quality cassava flour (HQCF), and other commercial by-products.”
He praised Taraba State for its abundant and fertile agricultural land, which he described as ideal for cassava cultivation with relatively minimal input and high return on investment. “With the right support systems in place—such as improved seedlings, mechanization, and agronomic best practices—farmers in Taraba can achieve maximum yield and profitability,” he added.
Emmanuel explained that cassava’s versatility and demand in both food and industrial sectors make it one of the most commercially viable crops in Nigeria today.
Citing his company as an example, the production manager revealed that Tita Kuru Food Processing Company Limited, located in Jalingo, currently operates a plant capable of processing up to 50 metric tonnes of cassava per production shift. “This is a clear indication that there is a market for cassava, and that Taraba farmers have a guaranteed off-taker for their harvest,” he said.
The plant's capacity, he added, has helped stimulate local cassava production while also exposing the large supply gaps still present across the country. This supply-demand imbalance, he said, is a strong motivation for farmers to expand production, as buyers for cassava-based products are constantly seeking dependable sources.
Perhaps most compelling was Emmanuel’s assurance that cassava farming in today’s Taraba can create millionaires in just two years. “Any serious farmer who cultivates at least two hectares of cassava with modern techniques and improved varieties can become a multimillionaire,” he stated.
He encouraged youths and rural dwellers to take advantage of the opportunity, noting that the sector not only promises individual wealth creation but also community-wide economic development. "This is a clear path to reduce rural poverty and enhance food security, especially as the country seeks alternatives to crude oil revenue," he said.
Mr. Emmanuel called on citizens of Taraba State to embrace agriculture not just as a means of subsistence but as a business. “Cassava farming and processing is the future of agribusiness in Taraba. With the right mindset and investment, we can turn this state into a leading cassava production hub in Nigeria.”
His remarks come at a time when state and federal governments are seeking to diversify the economy through agribusiness, and stakeholders are increasingly looking to cassava as a cornerstone crop for food, feed, and industrial raw materials.
With the existing potential and institutional support, cassava may just be Taraba State’s ticket to economic transformation.
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