Beans Farmers Deny Using Cement as a Preservative

The Cowpea and Beans Farmers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (C&BFPMAN) has strongly denied claims that cement is being used to preserve beans.

Mr. Kabir Shuaibu, National President of C&BFPMAN, clarified this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos. The denial comes in response to a video circulating on social media showing some youths allegedly mixing beans with a substance resembling cement.

Shuaibu emphasized that no legitimate member of the association would engage in such unethical practices. “We are unaware of any use of cement in beans preservation. As an association, we follow international best practices for preserving beans and related products,” he said.

He added, “Our member-farmers do not engage in any unscrupulous methods when it comes to preserving beans or cowpea. Recently, we discontinued the use of additives in bean preservation altogether.”

According to Shuaibu, the current method involves packaging beans in thick nylon bags purchased from sack companies. “These nylons are placed inside sacks, and beans are poured directly into the nylon bags before the sacks are sealed. The nylon bags create an airtight seal that prevents weevils or insects from penetrating,” he explained.

He further disclosed that farmers sometimes use safe additives like ‘Topstoxin’ to protect older beans from weevils. “The bags of beans are divided into sections where the additive is applied. This substance is harmless to humans and does not damage the produce.”

In some cases, dried peppers are placed alongside bean bags to deter weevil infestations.

Shuaibu concluded, “Currently, the use of nylon bags inside sacks remains the most effective way to preserve beans. It is obvious that using cement would be easily detected and consumers would reject such produce. Therefore, we would never resort to such harmful practices.”