-Ibadan.

Agricultural expert and crop scientist, Paschal Nnaemeka, has expressed deep concern over the continuous fall in cassava prices across Nigeria, blaming it on poor market coordination, simultaneous harvesting, and the growing influence of imported starch.

According to Nnaemeka, most cassava farmers plant and harvest at the same time, creating an oversupply of fresh tubers that the available processors cannot handle. He explained that because cassava is highly perishable, farmers rush to sell immediately after harvest, often at giveaway prices to avoid losses.

“The challenge is not just production, it’s timing and planning,” Nnaemeka said. “When everyone harvests at once, the market becomes saturated, and processors can’t buy everything. Farmers end up selling below cost.”

He also lamented that the influx of cheap imported starch and cassava products is making matters worse, as many industries now prefer imported alternatives that are often cheaper than locally processed starch.

To prevent further losses next season, Nnaemeka urged farmers to stagger their planting and harvesting periods, form cooperatives for stronger market influence, and work directly with processors to secure off-take agreements before planting.

He called on the government to protect local processors from import pressure, promote investment in rural cassava processing, and ensure that farmers have access to affordable inputs and market information.

Nnaemeka emphasized that with proper coordination between farmers, processors, and policymakers, the cassava sector can become more stable and profitable, ensuring farmers get fair returns for their effort and contribution to national food security.

©PFI Newsroom 2025