Nigerian flour millers promise off take for wheat production

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”