The Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN) has vowed to support Nigerian farmers and government initiatives to boost local wheat production.
Olalekan Saliu, FMAN’s Executive Secretary, emphasized this commitment at the 2024 West and Central Africa Regional Wheat Summit in Abuja.
“Our goal is to change the perception that flour millers are enemies of progress, more interested in importing wheat than in supporting local production,” Saliu stated.
Saliu highlighted FMAN’s efforts to improve wheat yields, from 0.8-1.2 metric tonnes per hectare to 3.5-3.8 metric tons last year.
He noted that two women farmers achieved 5.4 metric tonnes per hectare in Jigawa State, with some exceeding 7 tonnes per hectare.
The Sasakawa Africa Association also expressed commitment to supporting youth and women in agriculture.
Dr. Godwin Atser, represented by Prof. Sani Miko, outlined their strategy for community engagement, including training programs and essential agricultural inputs. “Last year, we assisted 5,345 youths in Kano State,” Atser explained.
This collaborative effort aims to provide farmers with necessary resources to succeed in wheat production, aligning with the region’s vision for agricultural transformation.