He lamented that the nation spent over N600 billion yearly to import ethanol and starch which were cassava derivatives that could be processed and sourced locally.
The national president said cassava has over 20 food types and three major industrial products like ethanol, starch and cassava flour which are raw materials for other products.
He said: “Government should pay more attention to cassava, it has been neglected. By the time cassava is accorded the needed attention, it will take over crude oil. We have been trying to set up industries that will utilise cassava for the benefit of this country.’’
Adewumi noted that modern cassava cultivation required mechanisation to meet up with international best practices.
He explained that making cultivable land available to cassava farmers would improve yields and create employment. (NAN)
