The Flour Mills Association of Nigeria has pledged its support to Nigerian farmers and government efforts aimed at promoting local wheat production.
FMAN Executive Director Olalekan Saliu said this at a side event of the 2024 West and Central Africa Regional Wheat Summit held in Abuja on Thursday.
“We are very happy to be here at the Flour Mills Association of Nigeria. Our goal is to eliminate the perception that millers are the enemy of progress and are more interested in importing wheat than supporting local production. It’s about changing,” Saryu said.
He emphasized the need to encourage farmers to view wheat as a viable business opportunity, rather than simply as a subsistence crop.
Mr. Saryu emphasized that: “We reassure farmers and state governments that they don’t have to worry about access to markets. We are ready to tally every quantity they produce.”
He added that this initiative comes in parallel with the association’s recent efforts to improve wheat yields from an average of 0.8-1.2 tonnes per hectare to around 3.5-3.8 tonnes per hectare last year.
He said FMAN aims to provide market access while demonstrating that high wheat yields are achievable in Nigeria.
“Particularly in Jigawa State, two female farmers we work with achieved a yield of 5.4 tons per hectare, while some have even exceeded 7 tons per hectare,” says Saryu. he pointed out, demonstrating the potential for local farmers to succeed.
In his address, Dr. Godwin Asah, President of Sasakawa Africa Society Nigeria, represented by Professor Sani Miko, highlighted the organization’s commitment to supporting youth and women in agriculture.
“Our strategy document emphasizes that young people and women are central to our goals and vision,” he said, outlining a clear strategy for community engagement.
He added that Sasakawa’s approach also includes training programs and the provision of essential agricultural inputs.
“Last year, we supported 5,345 youths in Kano State, providing them with various packages such as seeds, fertilizers, chemicals and equipment,” Asah explained.
He said this collaborative effort aims to ensure farmers have the resources they need to successfully grow wheat.
Dr. Solomon Gizau, technical director of the African Agricultural Transformation Clearinghouse, emphasized collaborative efforts among stakeholders, including the African Development Bank and local organizations, prioritizing efforts that are in line with the region’s agricultural transformation vision. He emphasized that.
