National President, National Rubber Producers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NARPPMAN), Otunba Igbinosu Peter has called on the federal government to commit to the development of rubber value chain sub-sector as part of its policy of diversifying its revenue base.
The NARPPMAN National President said the federal government pursuing a policy of diversifying its revenue base can be achieved if cash crops especially rubber, a major revenue earner for government before the advent of Petroleum oil is prioritized as it provides a good candidate for the diversification.
Briefing newsmen in Benin, Igbinosu said the government has neglected investments in rubber development and urged the federal government to come up with a policy through CBN to fund long gestation crops as well as come up with a National Rubber policy and strategies to rejig rubber value chain sub-sector development.
The expert and agronomist urged government at all levels to collaborate with NARPPMAN by having state rubber development policies and strategies.
“Unfortunately, in spite of these laudable roles of rubber , production has been on the decline in Nigeria since its peak around the mid-90s. To strategically fast track the reversal of the country’s decline in production and tap its potential, there is a need to embark on a sustainable development for the crop.
He emphasised the need to embark on a sustainable development programme for rubber, noting that the potential is particularly greater in Nigeria as one of the most populous countries in Africa.
Igbinosu lamented that the rubber development value chain sub-sector has been faced with the paucity of funds over the years.
He further stated that the creation and maintainance of a viable small holder sector is key in driving rubber value chain sub-sector development.
He added that rubber farmers should be encouraged to form cooperatives in order to access support from the government and other sources.
He maintained that such support could include the preparation of land and provisions of planting materials for small holders at a subsidized rate and provisions of extension services.
“We want the federal government to come up with a policy through CBN to fund long gestation crops.We want the federal government to come up with National Rubber policy and strategies.
” We request the State Government to collaborate with NARPPMAN by having state rubber development policies and strategies and encourage farmers and industrial players with land and subsidies.
“We request the federal government to revamp the rubber board.We want the federal government to establish a national database for rubber. Increase manpower development.”he said.
