By Nneka Nwogwugwu
The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Crown Flour Mill, producer of OLAM grains have established partnership to expand the production capacity of wheat in Nigeria as well as reduce its importation.
The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Muhammad Sabo Nanono and delegates of the top management of the Crown Flour Mills led by its Corporate Affairs Manager, Ms. Damilola Adeniyi announced this partnership during a visit to the minister over the weekend in Abuja.
Nanono, while expressing delight in the interest shown by Crown Flour Mill (OLAM grains) to partner with the ministry, he stated that the initiative would reduce wheat importation, enhance food security and nutrition, conserve scarce foreign exchange and create jobs.
He noted that 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.
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Nanono added that with the intervention of Crown Flour Mills and other interventions 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
In her remarks, Miss Adeniyi, said that the purpose of the visit was to update the Minister on the group’s activities and to 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 that the company plans to introduce the findings of a 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 Crown Flour Mills has been involved in various developmental efforts such as research and seed trials, capacity building in modern agricultural practices, distribution of inputs, etc. targeting smallholder wheat farmers and key players in the wheat production value chain
As one of its corporate social responsibilities, Adeniyi, said the group 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 .
