Association, Katsina Govt support 2,500 farmers to boost moringa production — Official

The National Moringa Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NAMFAPMAN), has begun collaboration with Katsina Government to support about 2,500 farmers to boost moringa production in the state.

Its National Vice President in charge of the Northwest, Mr Rabe Hashimu, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Katsina.

He revealed that the state government assured the farmers of support in training of the beneficiaries on moringa modern farming techniques.

The national vice chairman added that the government had allocated three hectres of land to the farmers in each of the 34 Local Government Areas of the state.

According to him, the government gave the assurance to establish Moringa Research Development Centre to enhance production across the state.

He explained that moringa had nutritious contents and was medicinal, pointed out that it could be used to enhance nutrition and treatment of hepatitis, diabetes and High Blood Pressure.

Hashimu disclosed that research showed that Katsina State was the highest producer of moringa in Nigeria.

The official explained that the state had potential of producing moringa leaves in huge quantity that could be used for both domestic and export purposes.

He noted that moringa could also be used to make lipton, biscuits, bread, among others, added that its oil could be extracted for different uses.

Hashimu further revealed that with the government’s support, they would empower some unemployed youths and women to produce such items, thereby making them self-reliant.

The national vice chairman further revealed that at least, two farmers would be selected as marketers in each local government who would buy the commodity and sell to the processors.

He, therefore, advised people of the state to engage in moringa farming, to enhance its production and create more job opportunities to them.