FMAN, Lake Chad Research Institute partners to boost wheat production in Nigeria

By : Seye Olumide, Ibadan

Date: 23 Jun 2023

A worker from the Senegalese Agricultural Research Institute is seen in a wheat field in Sangalkam, near Dakar, on April 7, 2023. - Senegal has been harvesting its first fields of wheat since this week for large-scale production that would break with its total dependence on imports. Supply difficulties, the rise in grain prices and inflation caused by the war in Ukraine and the food crisis have stimulated the Senegalese self-sufficiency effort. (Photo by SEYLLOU / AFP)

The Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN) in partnership with Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), yesterday, said they have released four varieties of wheat to the Nigerian farmers, which are aimed to boost the production of wheat and efficiency across the nation.

Addressing the media in Ibadan Oyo State capital, Team Leader of FMAN, Dr Aliyu Samaila, disclosed that the National Center for Genetic Resource and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), has also approved the release during its 36thgeneral meeting held in Ibadan Oyo State.

According to Samaila, who was represented by FMAN Agronomist Ahamed Tijani, “The varieties are bread wheat (Borlaug-FMAN and NELOKI-FMAN), with yield potential of up to 7t/ha and maturity between 85-95 days while Durum wheat (Bayoreca-FMAN and Cirno-FMAN) with yield potential of 6t/ha and maturity between 90-95 days.

“The National Center for Genetic Resource and Biotechnology (NACGRAB) approved the release at its 36th meeting of Technical Committee on Naming, Registration and Release of Crop Varieties held at NACGRAB Moor Plantation, Ibadan.

He explained that the release of the varieties would also revolutionize wheat production in the country by increasing farmers productivity and at the same time satisfying the quality demand of the milling industry in the country.

He said this would be the first time a key player in the wheat value chain, the major off taker and processor (FMAN) is championing the release of a variety to support and improve wheat production in the country.

“This new development is aim at promoting local wheat production and reducing wheat import bill of the country saving Nigeria billions of dollars,” he said.

He also said FMAN wheat development program, over the years, have covered all aspect along the value chain ranging from outgrower program (Over 4000ha across seven states) seed production (over 300ha and grant to NASC), research and development partnership with LCRI), direct off take at harvest from farmers by setting up over 80 aggregation centers across 13 wheat producing states in Nigeria.