Following high demand in the international market, the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has begun promoting pigeon pea production and value chain in Kaduna State.
Mr Kasim Ahmed, Director and Trade Promotion Advisor, Kaduna State Export Assistance Office, NEPC, stated this on Wednesday in Kaduna at a one-day capacity building workshop to improve pigeon pea production for export.
Ahmed stated that global demand for the crop had increased, emphasizing that Nigeria had yet to reap the benefits of its export potential despite massive production.
He stated that the sensitization was aimed at increasing the capacity of Kaduna state’s pigeon pea farmers, processors, and exporters in modern techniques to boost production in line with international standards.
According to Ahmed, India is the world’s largest producer of pigeon peas, followed by Kenya, with Nigeria’s potential remaining untapped.
“It is very important, therefore, for Nigerians to take advantage and leverage on the export potential of this crop to earn foreign exchange.
“Nigeria has the potential of becoming one of the largest producers of the crop.
“This is why we organised this programme to bridge information and knowledge gap on modern techniques and best practices that would improve production capacity and quality.’’
Mr Zacham Bayei, Senior Trade Promotion Officer and Head of Product, Market Development Unit, Export Assistance Office, NEPC, also emphasized the importance of farmers getting involved in pigeon pea production.
According to him, the entire purpose of the sensitization is to promote pigeon pea production and value chain in Kaduna State for export, as India and South-East Asia are major export destinations.
One of the mandates of NEPC is to identify, develop, and promote non-oil products that have export value.
“If more farmers and exporters key into the production and export of pigeon pea, it will go a long way in attracting high foreign exchange into the country.
“This in the long run will improve the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and create jobs for Nigerian youths.
One of the resource persons, Mr Emmanuel Nehemiah of Nehemiah Foundation International, noted the absence of large-scale pigeon pea farmers that could meet India’s demand for the product and other international market.
Despite their export potential, Nehemiah believes that periodic workshops, seminars, and training programs will go a long way toward encouraging and boosting the value chain production of pigeon pea and similar untapped crops.
He advised pigeon pea producers, marketers, processors, and exporters to form a strong national pigeon pea association in order to gain support and leverage collective strength.
Nehemiah also urged smallholder farmers to establish pigeon pea cooperative networks at the regional, state, and local levels where pigeon pea was grown.
