ibironkeeniola 
In a bid to ameliorate the groundnut value chain, the National Groundnut Producers Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NGROPPMAN) has revealed plans to boost groundnut production to about 17.5 million metric tonnes by the end of 2025.
President of NGROPPMAN, Aimu Foni disclosed this to newsmen, after the conclusion of the stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja. He said that the 17.5 million metric tonnes that were projected are part of the groundnut draft policy, being reviewed by important stakeholders.
He stressed that the policy will improve the production of groundnut and help reposition other value chains when adopted by the stakeholders and supported by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Foni said, “The objective of the draft policy, which is still under review, is to improve groundnut production and make it a major source of revenue generation for the government.
“The policy when approved will further tackle the problem of training and extension services, critical to agricultural development. Also, the document will help with risk management, marketing as well as competitiveness to ensure robust domestic consumption and high-quality export.”
The Secretary-General of the association, Mr. Adeniyi Adebayo said the stakeholders are eager to take groundnut production to the next level.
He said, “We met to see how to contribute meaningfully to the new groundnut policy. As you know, we are into production, processing, and marketing as a sub-sector and the draft policy is focused on these areas.
“In terms of production, it dwells on how the lives of groundnut farmers will be improved. Most times when there is excess production, farmers are often left to bear their losses as they sell their produce at giveaway prices.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA