Abuja – The National Auditor of National Shea Product Association of Nigeria, Hajiya Hadiza Danga,has called on the Federal Government to establish Shea tree plantations to boost the production.
Danga made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Monday.
She said Shea tree cultivation could boost the economy and provide jobs for the youth.
Danga said that with government intervention, women would be encouraged to continue with the business considering that they had been involved in it over time.
She said Shea butter production was common in 19 states but was found in huge quantity in Kebbi and Niger states.
According to her, income from the business will provide empowerment for communities where majority of the people live below poverty line.
“Its mass propagation can support rural and urban economy; its plantation can establish sustainable production of materials in which youths will be engaged,’’ Danga said.
She said Shea butter could serve as a base for tropical medicine, such as relieving rheumatic and joint pains, treating wounds, nostril inflammation, dermatitis, among others.
“Ghana got the Shea nut from us in Nigeria but today Ghana is ahead of Nigeria because of the plantations in the country.
“Also Ghana has made it hybrid, so when planted it will last for only three to five years to start yielding fruits,’’ Danga said.
Danga said in Nigeria, the plant produced fruits from 15 years.
She said Shea butter was a hidden product in the past but had become one of the needed crops in the agricultural sector.
Danga stressed the need for government to be part of the Shea butter industry in its efforts to diversify the economy.
She noted that Shea butter had been produced by women in poor, rural areas over the years and the country could use it to fight poverty and improve its quality. (NAN)
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