We want to reduce importation of wheat to an extent if possible and substitute it with cassava flour, says Minister for Agriculture, Waterways and Environment, Hon. Dr Mahendra Reddy. 

He made the comments while officiating at a tractor handover to Bitovani Farmers’ Cooperative at Nasaucoko Village, in the district of Namataku, in the Navosa Province. 

He said the Government was constantly looking at ways to increase exports, at the same time, explore possibilities of reducing imports of food products.

“An example is, we are importing 128,000 tonnes of wheat every year at a value of about $100m. Wheat is widely used by every household. 

“Our initial target is to reduce wheat imports by 15percent. That $15m should go to the farmers. For that we have to grow 50,000 tonnes of cassava at a recovery rate of 40percent.

“In addition to what we are growing at a yield of 12 tonnes per acre, we need to grow 14,000 acres more of cassava per year,” he revealed.

The Minister said discussions would begin soon with important stakeholders on this project, with details to be revealed at a later date.

-ENDS-

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