NEPC, Foundation Partner to Train 300 Women on Cassava Processing in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherm

No fewer than 300 rural women have been trained on Cassava Processing by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) in conjunction with ImpactHer and Toolup Foundation.

The two day capacity building and demonstration for Anambra women took place in Nteje, Oyi Local Government Area under “Cassava Processing, packaging and best practices.

The training workshop themed, “Export Empowerment through Sustainability and Diversification” was to educate cassava processors on the importance of quality inputs for increased productivity.

“Export competitiveness, quality assurance and best practices in value chain development of the product among others”.

Declaring the workshop open, Commissioner for Industry, Mr Christian Udechukwu, listed the economic potentials of the produce as well as its export value.

Udechukwu, represented by Mrs Henrietta Ide, Director of Commerce, acknowledged abundance of cassava processors in the state, noting that with improved production the commodity could be exported.

Earlier, State Coordinator, NEPC, Mr Peter Udom, highlighted the importance of the training, describing it as apt and critical to the drive for enhanced food security.

A representative from the Nigerian Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Mrs Ebele Okochi, delivered a lecture on cassava production and processing, capturing fermentation, milling, liquefaction, quality standard and market opportunities.
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Another resource person, Mrs Edith Ikenye, also made a presentation on export procedures and documentation.

Some of the Trainers, took the trainees through the stages of processing including peeling, drying, frying and packaging.

Participants testified to gaining valuable and enduring skills in cassava processing and packaging.

‎The workshop featured presentation of Dummy cheques to two winners for the grant of US$500 each by ImpactHer and Toolup Foundation represented by the facilitator, Mr. Edeh Chinweoke.

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