The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has called on the Federal Government to protect farmers across the country, saying security of live and property is its utmost responsibility. NEPC’s Regional Coordinator , Samson Idowu, made this call at a two-day workshop on Production and Processing of Potato for Export Competitiveness, on Wednesday in Jos. Idowu noted that the development was sacrosanct, if farmers’ productivity must improve. According to him, government at all levels must ensure that farmers are protected and guaranteed safe environment to produce maximally for consumption and export. Speaking on the workshop, the Coordinator pointed out that Plateau State accounts for 95 per cent of Irish potato production in Nigeria, hence the need for the programme to promote the value chain. “Production should not just be for consumption alone, but to get the most value from the product and also create jobs for the public,” he stressed. On her part, National President of Potato Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (PGPMAN),Mrs Christie Sunkur, encouraged farmers to exploit export opportunities to increase income from their produce. Also, Sunkur said potato farmers must improve on their production given the enormous potential in its value chain. “Potatoes have become a staple food all over the world, not just in Nigeria,” she noted.
