The farmers face many challenges such as non-availability of land, poor land preparation, absence of mechanisation, lack of better inputs, funds, among others.

But despite these challenges, cassava farmers in Edo State still have much to celebrate in terms of good yield, thereby making the state one of the highest cassava producing states in the country.

According to the state chairman, Cassava Growers and Garri Producers Association, Donatus Imaghodor, cassava farmers are still making waves in spite of the numerous challenges facing the production of the crop.

“Generally, the challenges cassava farmers face in Edo State is non-availability of land, land preparation, incessant fire outbreak, lack of inputs and finance, among others.

“It is not easy for farmers to do the land preparation by themselves because they are not mechanised, not until we begin to mechanise the farmers and group them into clusters we would not make headway”.

He said Edo State is predominantly farmers and they are good in cassava farming but have been unable to get better yields because the farms are not mechanised.

He explained that it would be easier for cassava farmers if their farms are mechanised and the farmers put into clusters where they would be able to attract finance.

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Source: Daily Trust