Written by Chidi Nkwopara Vanguard Online, Lagos, Nigeria,, Friday, 23 January 2009
Owerri—The management of Imo State Polytechnic, Umuagwo, Ohaji/Egbema local government area of Imo State, yesterday said that the institution has developed about 43 varieties of high yielding cassava stems for use by farmers in the state. The institution’s Rector, Dr. Anderson Amadioha, who stated in an interview with newsmen, also said that this development was part of the school administration’s commitment to the attainment of food sufficiency and food security in the state.
“We have developed about 43 varieties of high yielding cassava stems for use by farmers. This is part of our commitment to the attainment of food sufficiency and security, creation of wealth for farmers, as well as improving the revenue base of the state”, Amadioha said.
Fielding questions from newsmen, the Rector said that the varieties include those specially developed for pelleting with the aim of exporting them and another for starch production.
“The variety for starch production is aimed at meeting the federal government directive that 10 percent of flour for bread production should come from cassava starch. We also have a variety for garri production”, the Rector explained.
Dr. Amadioha also said that the school is taking time to properly educate farmers on the varieties, pointing out that Imo State Polytechnic has witnessed tremendous transformation since he came on board in 2005.
“Prior to my assumption of office, none of the courses run in the school was accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE). All our science based courses have been cleared and about April, NBTE will come for the accreditation of the Business courses”, Amadioha said.
He assured that the school management has put everything in place in readiness for the next visit of the NBTE accreditation team, with a view to ensure that everything is successful.
