Lake Chad Ex. Dir. Dr. Olabanji
explaining progress to Governors Bauchi, Alhaji Abubakar and Dr. Umar Ganduje and other stakeholders
at wheat value chain the National Wheat
field day .
|
The Chairman, Flour Millers’ Association of Nigeria has promised
its commitment to off take farmers’ wheat production with readiness to support
with harvesters so as to reduce drudgery during harvest after production.
Making this promise during the National farmers’ wheat day
visit at Alkamawa Village, Kano, Mr John G Coumantaros on behalf of his
association said every of the farmers ‘wheat would be off take with harvesters’
support to lessen drudgery adding that talk is already going between his
members , farmers and the Central Bank
of Nigeria towards the fixing price modality .
The rest of the text of his message read thus “On behalf of
the Flour Millers Association of Nigeria (FMAN), it is my honour to present a goodwill
message at the 2016 “Dry Season Wheat Trails and Seed/Grain Production” day.
This is a welcome initiative that brings relevant
stakeholders together to ensure the continued improvement in Nigeria’s wheat
production and, by consequence, other downstream activities in the value chain.
The benefit of which I believe will be of immense value to the country as a
whole, especially in the area of nutrition and food security.
Mr John G Coumantaros in suit and another member of the association |
We at FMAN continue to believe that research is critical to
attaining all important goal of food security. As you know, wheat is generally
cultivated in more temperate regions of the world. As a country located in the
tropical latitudes, it is imperative that we continue to invest in researching
the appropriate varieties of seed that are not only suited to our climate, but
also appropriate for producing the quality of downstream products such as
bread, noodles and other ball foods which have become a staple in the Nigerian
diet. It is also essential to invest in methods to improve farming and
post-harvest practices to reduce the cost of production and increase the yield
per hectare.
On our own part, FMAN wishes to reiterate it commitment to
supporting the local production of wheat. A practical demonstration of that
commitment is our ongoing pledge to off take all the wheat produced in Nigeria.
In view of this commitment, we are actively working with the wheat Farmers
Association of Nigeria (WFAN), the state government of wheat producing states,
as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to agree on the modalities of off take.
In addition we have pledged to support the wheat farmers association through
the provision of combine harvesters to improve efficiency and further reduce
the cost of production.
Going forward, FMAN has also pledged to work with identified
state governments to put in place contract farming arrangements where we would
look to assist with the provision of some inputs and technical assistance on
extension services, while providing ready market at the time of harvest.
It is s our expectation that having this regular structured
engagement, with recognition of the role and importance of each player in the
value chain, will greatly assist towards achieving the desired objectives.
We would like to thank the Lake Chad Research Institute for
convening this very important forum.
We at FMAN are committed partners in
Nigeria’s development and will remain steadfast towards working with all
stakeholders in attaining greater local production of wheat which serves as an
important raw material for industry, creating jobs all across the value chain,
saving foreign exchange and further diversifying Nigeria’s economy.
My presence
here today is evidence of our commitment and desire to see the success of local
wheat production with high yield improved seeds. This effort is so important
for the future success of the nation. Crops are the treasure and fruit of our
land. The farmers’ life is not easy and it takes great labour, sweat and toil
of each farmer’s part. And we must acknowledge this effort and understand the
importance of vital agricultural sector providing food for a nation and
competitive raw materials for our industries for the forward progress of
Nigeria”
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