The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has met with stakeholders as part of measures to make global impact, strategise and streamline the cultivation of approved varieties of sorghum in Nigeria.
Deputy Director, Information in the ministry, Mrs Eno Olotu, in a ststement issued on Sunday explained that the development is in tune with the Federal Government’s sustained effort to increase productivity in the sorghum value chain.
The statement explained that Nigeria is the world’s third largest producer of sorghum, after the US and India.
Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Bauchi, the Minister, Alhaji Muhammad Nanono, said the meeting would come up with an inclusive strategy on how to strengthen and improve sorghum value chain for increased productivity.
He said this would assist in tackling threats posed by food scarcity.
Nanono was represented by the ministry’s Zonal Director, North-East, Dr Musa Mohammed.
The theme of the workshop was “ Streamlining Existing Sorghum Varieties, Commercialisation and Product Development of Sorghum in Nigeria”.
The minister said the overall policy objective of sorghum production was to increase the productivity and to promote small, medium and large-scale commercial production of the crop using improved high yielding varieties and hybrids.
He also said the objective was to promote value addition of the crop as raw materials for the industrial food markets, livestock feeds and highly nutrition well-packaged food products for local and international markets.
“The Federal Government is committed to the promotion of the agricultural sector by unleashing its potential to drive food and nutrition scarcity, economic growth and job creation.
“The ministry is ensuring accelerated sorghum production and value addition toward self- sufficiency to meet industrial requirements, as well as boost farmers income and generate employment in the country,” he said.
The minister pointed out that the initiative was a collaborative effort with stakeholders.
He said the crop had continued to assume great industrial relevance with many multinational companies, especially in the brewery industry, where sorghum grits constitute up to 40 per cent of the raw materials.
He explained sorghum is also a major ingredient in the manufacture of confectionery such as bread, biscuits, cakes and baby formula.
Nanono emphasised that since sorghum was one of the staple foods in most sub-Saharan countries, including Nigeria, its production must be strengthened to meet local demand and regional reserves.
Many papers were presented at the meeting including “ Streamlining of Existing Sorghum Varieties to Meet Industrial Demand” by Prof M. Ishiyaku, the Executive Director, Institute of Agricultural Research, Zaria.
