FG plots strategy to reduce wheat imports

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono at the weekend unfolded measures to reduce wheat importation stating that the federal government has kicked off moves to boost wheat production in Nigeria.

Nanono says that part of the measures is the interest shown by Crown Flour Mill (OLAM grains) to partner with the ministry to expand the production capacity of wheat in Nigeria.

The minister disclosed that the initiative would reduce wheat importation, enhance food security and nutrition, conserve scarce foreign exchange and create jobs.

Nanono said the ministry has put in place deliberate measures to ensure the increase in wheat production capacity including, the provision of quality seeds and in the distribution of agricultural inputs to Nigerian farmers, adding that the ministry will support the group in its development efforts.

The plans were made known during a courtesy visit by a delegation of the top management of the company led by its Corporate Affairs Manager, Ms. Damilola Adeniyi to the minister’s office.

He said with the intervention by Crown Flour Mills and others, such as those of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN) , Transformation for Africa Agricultural Technologies (TAAT) and the Wheat Compact Project , Nigeria will experience a sustainable sufficiency in the local production of wheat.

It was learnt that the company is committed to the sustained training of Nigerian wheat farmers, provision of quality seeds for increased production and also in the patronage of their produce.

In her remarks, Ms Adeniyi , said that the purpose of the visit was to update the minister on the group’s activities and seek collaboration with the ministry to leverage on Nigeria’s wheat growing potentials by bringing in new seed varieties and modern technology to facilitate growth and expansion of wheat production in the country.

Adeniyi said the company plans to introduce the findings of research trials it conducted recently on the cultivation of a heat tolerant variety of wheat.

She expressed optimism that the process will boost local production of wheat, increase quantity and improve quality.

She also informed the minister that the company has been involved in various developmental efforts such as research and seed trials, capacity building in modern agricultural practices, distribution of inputs, among others, targeting smallholder wheat farmers and key players in the wheat production value chain.