THE AKWA IBOM INDUSTRIALIZATION PROJECT AGRICULTURE (PART 1) In my last discussion, I wrote about Afang (gnetum africanum), Atama (Heinsia crinata), Waterleaf (talinum triangulare) and fluted pumpkin (Telferia occidentalis). Afang, atama, is widely consumed in the south east and south south of Nigeria. Waterleaf and fluted pumpkin is massively consumed in the south east, south south and south west of Nigeria. These vegetables are a delicacy anyday as their aroma can always make your mouth water. I forgot, I am not a cheff that can cook the best of these mouth watering delicacies. I received a telephone call from a friend in Australia, who told me how much he misses the Afang , atama and the fluted pumpkin. This got me thinking and i went into research how this can generate wealth. The movement of people from place to place has also created an exchange in food culture. These carotene rich foods are no longer consumed in the south east and south south. It is in high demand in Nigeria and the world over. They are majorly cultivated in Akwa Ibom state and Cross River state of Nigeria. Recently their supplies have reduced and it is fast becoming quite expensive to buy even in the cultivating states. Demand for it keeps increasing. I was privileged to visit some villages in Ikot Ekpene and discovered that most houses were cultivating these crops.. The climbing stem of Afang leaf being supported with bamboo. Atama leaf used as flower to decorate compounds. Most vegetables cannot be prepared without waterleaf and has therefore also placed it in high demand. Fluted pumpkin is popular because of EDIKANG IKONG SOUP which has become an intercontinental delicacy. More than 2000 tonnes of these vegetables are consumed worldwide monthly and still does not meet consumers demand. Government of AKWA Ibom state should support peasant farmers and families to grow these crops. Establishment of research organizations will help farmers understand these crops. Storage facilities and methods should also be put in place to reduce loss and also make it exportable. Every local government should be encouraged to set up plantations for these vegetables which have the potentials of becoming cash crops. Please, keep your contributions coming. This series continues.
Posted on: Sat, 07 Sep 2013 08:38:08 +0000
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