National President of the Potato Farmers Association of Nigeria (POFAN), Chief Daniel Okafor, has urged the federal government to extend the various opportunities the Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) is offering to the economy to enhance grassroots development.
Speaking with The Daily Times on the need for the extension, Okafor noted that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development recently organized a one-day stakeholder meeting on the adoption and utilization of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato.
He, however, urged that the meeting should be held continuously, involving more stakeholders especially potato farmers, adding that people at the grassroots should also be involved.
The president explained that involving people at the grassroots will create room for improved food security in Nigeria due to the wealth potentials of processing OFSP into various products like flour, bread, among many others.
Okafor also called on the government to address the state of insecurity in the nation, especially in the North East region.
He urged for grants, empowerment and more training for farmers to boost their production capacity.
