New cassava growing method transforming Kaltungo communities

For decades, cassava farming has been a cornerstone of food security and livelihood for families in the Kaltungo Emirate of Gombe State. Today, this age-old practice is undergoing a remarkable transformation, thanks to an innovative planting technique championed by His Highness, the Emir of Kaltungo, Engineer Saleh Muhammad. This method, learned from Taraba State cassava farmers, has increased yields by over 60% and significantly boosted farmers’ incomes.

The Emir’s approach involves planting cassava stems vertically on larger ridges, maximizing soil depth utilization and enabling multiple nodes to germinate. This practice contrasts the traditional horizontal planting method, where fewer nodes are buried, limiting tuber development. The technique’s success has not only improved productivity but also fostered a sense of community farming, with youth and women actively participating in groups to cultivate large farmlands.

Encouraged by its results, the Emir initiated a 20-hectare pilot project in the Turebalam community, where he supervised activities and ensured all profits benefited the farmers. His commitment to eradicating poverty has made cassava farming a cornerstone of economic empowerment in the region. Farmers now produce garri for local consumption and commercial purposes, with aspirations to scale up through mechanized processing and investor collaboration.

Despite these strides, challenges remain. Farmers struggle to access high-quality cassava seeds and seek support from the Gombe State government, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture, and other stakeholders to expand into full-scale commercial cassava farming.
Source- Daily Trust

Expert Review: Insights for Agri-Food Stakeholders

The innovative cassava planting method in Kaltungo Emirate demonstrates a scalable model for enhancing agribusiness profitability across Nigeria. By boosting yields and creating income opportunities, this initiative aligns with broader goals of food security and rural economic development.

Key Takeaways for Stakeholders:

1. Adoption of Improved Agronomic Practices: The shift to vertical planting and larger ridges exemplifies how simple agronomic changes can significantly increase output and farmer income. Stakeholders can replicate this model in other cassava-producing regions.
2. Community-Based Farming Systems: The group farming approach fosters collaboration, reducing individual costs and ensuring collective benefits. It also creates a platform for skills transfer and collective access to markets.
3. Processing and Value Addition Opportunities: The emergence of local garri production highlights the value addition potential of cassava. Investments in processing equipment can further boost income, create jobs, and attract partnerships.
4. Addressing Seed Challenges: The scarcity of high-quality cassava planting materials presents an opportunity for seed companies and agricultural extension services to intervene. Developing localized cassava seed banks or partnering with research institutions could alleviate this challenge.

Recommendations for Enhanced Impact:

1. Capacity Building: Train farmers on improved farming techniques and post-harvest handling practices to sustain productivity gains.
2. Market Access: Establish cooperatives to improve bargaining power and access to local and export markets.
3. Infrastructure Development: Invest in processing facilities and transportation networks to support commercialization efforts.
4. Policy Support: Engage policymakers to provide subsidies or loans for inputs like quality cassava stems and mechanized tools.

By addressing these gaps, Kaltungo Emirate can serve as a model for transforming cassava farming into a thriving agribusiness sector, empowering farmers while strengthening Nigeria’s food systems.