Farmers insist beans preservation follows international best practices.
The Cowpea and Beans Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (C&BFPMAN) has debunked allegations that beans are preserved with cement.
National President of the association, Kabir Shuaibu, told NAN on Sunday in Lagos that no legitimate member of the group engages in such practices.
“We are not aware of the use of cement for the preservation of beans. As an association, we engage in international best practices,” he said.
Shuaibu explained that farmers now use nylon bags inside sacks to keep beans airtight and insect-free. He added that friendly additives like Topstoxin or dried peppers are sometimes applied to prevent weevils, noting these are safe for human health.
He stressed that any use of cement would be easily detected and rejected by consumers.