Connect with us

Headlines

FG targets sorghum value chain to boost food security

Published

on

FG targets sorghum value chain to boost food security

The Federal Government will progressively produce Sorghum toward meeting the country’s food and industrial demand in the face of climate change and insecurity.

The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Mohammad Abubakar, made this known at the presentation of the report of the Sorghum Technical Committee (STC) in Abuja on Thursday.

Abubakar said the committee will streamline the existing sorghum varieties to meet food and industrial demand.

Advertisement

He said that the high demand in sorghum was a quantum leap that would increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

He said he was optimistic that the streamlining of the varieties would enable Nigeria to meet its food and industrial demand.

READ ALSO: Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ revolution turns 40

Advertisement

“We hope that through the streamlining of the existing sorghum varieties, we will progressively produce sorghum towards meeting the country ‘s food and Industrial demand in the face of climate change and insecurity,” he said.
He said streamlining of the sorghum varieties is crucial as it will enhance farmers’ income, and attract more youth to its cultivation.

The minister further said that following the relevance of sorghum, multinational companies, especially breweries are in high demand of the commodity.

He said that companies used sorghum as a barley base for the production of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
” Of Recently, the sorghum crop assumed great industrial relevance that many multi-national companies such as the breweries now use Sorghum grits as adjuncts (up to 40 per cent ).

Advertisement

” As barley base (mash) for making alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (Maltina, Maltex and Amstel Malt),” Abubakar said.

He, however, said that the prevalence of many varieties and cultivars was identified as the major problem leading to low sorghum productivity which resulted in the supply shortfall.

” The varieties in most cases are not what are needed by our food industries.

Advertisement

” This necessitates the need to streamline the existing varieties in order to meet our food and industrial needs,” he said.

Earlier, Prof. Daniel Aba, the STC Chairman while presenting the report said sorghum was fast gaining commercial importance due to different uses.

He said the committee recommended that seeds companies are enjoined to improve sorghum production and build and maintain responsive data banks that could be accessible by policymakers.

Advertisement

Aba said that the committee recommended that government should ensure that there were policies that encouraged the production of sorghum with financial support and enabling environment.

“From survey, sorghum is moving from a subsistence to commercial crop in Nigeria and it varieties need to be streamlined in order to meet food and industrial demand,” he said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that STC is composed of members from various disciplines and reputable organisations and Institutes.

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headlines

Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

Published

on

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Vice-President Kashim Shettima departed London in the early hours of Tuesday with the remains of Buhari back to Nigeria.
On arrival at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua Airport Katsina, Tinubu was received by Gov. Dikko Radda,  former Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, governors, Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau, and Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Tajudeen Abbas.
Others are Ministers, former governors, former and serving Senators, Alhaji Dahiru Managl,  former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee (NEC), amongst others.
Continue Reading

Headlines

“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Published

on

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.

“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.

Advertisement

Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.

“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.

Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.

Advertisement

“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.

Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.

“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.

Advertisement

On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.

The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.

Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Headlines

King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

Published

on

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.

In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”

Advertisement

He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”

Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

You May Like

Copyright © 2025 Acces News Magazine - All Right Reserved.

Verified by MonsterInsights