Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has said that Kano, with its commercial potentials being the biggest agricultural commodity hub in Africa, is also the biggest Sesame market in Nigeria.
The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, stated this Thursday in Kano while declaring open a Sesame seed conference with the theme-“Developing the Sesame seed value chain for sustainable growth” organised by the National Sesame Seed Association in collaboration with Kano State Government.
According to him, the conference will create an avenue for stakeholders in the industry to identify the most effective ways to promote value chain development in the Sesame seed sector and discuss mutually beneficial trade opportunities to improve smallholder farmers’ economic development and livelihood.
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The Governor describes Sesame seed as the most sought cash crop in terms of export value in Nigeria, being one of the fastest-growing sectors due to its foreign exchange earning and as a main source of income for about 5 million smallholder farmers.
He, however, assured that his administration is committed to enhancing the production of Sesame both in terms of quantity and quality through financing, improved techniques and productivity.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alh.Muhammad Sabo Nanono, in his remarks, highlighted the interventions given to the National Sesame Seed Association in the development of the sub-sector include the distribution of high yielding black, white and brown variety sesame seeds to boost productivity.
Similarly, he said 20 sesame cleaning machines were also distributed. In addition, 2 model sesame processing centres were established in Nassarawa and Kano States, respectively.
On her part, the Minister of State for Industries, Trade and Investment Ambassador Maryam Katagum, represented by Deputy Director Mr Irimiya Kaura, explained that the ministry is committed to providing enabling environment that will enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian agricultural commodities in the global trade.
She also revealed that in continuation of developing sesame seed, the ministry is implementing a robust agribusiness and industry development initiative to draw investment to the non-oil sector in the country.
Speaking earlier, the President Of the National Sesame Seed Association Of Nigeria, Alh. Sherif Balogun stated that for the past 5years, they have been working assiduously to promote the sesame seed value chain and increase the production from 300,000 metric tons to over 500,000 tons.
Therefore, he called on the public to engage in massive sesame production and processing to benefit from government policies like the Anchor Borrowers Programme.
While appreciating the Kano State Government for partnering with them in organising the conference, he also commended Governor Abdullahi Ganduje for his support and effort towards making Kano a destination for agribusiness investment.
The event was attended by the Jigawa State Commissioner Of Agriculture Alh. Muhammad Alhassan, who represented Gov.Badaru Abubakar, Chairman House Committee on Agricultural Institutions Hon. Mannir Babba Dan Agundi and other stakeholders.
