Research institutes partner to boost wheat production in Nigeria 

The Flour Milling Association of Nigeria (FMAN) in partnership with Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), yesterday, released four varieties of wheat to the Nigerian farmers, to boost the production of wheat and efficiency across the nation. 
 
Addressing the media in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Team Leader of FMAN, Dr Aliyu Samaila, disclosed that the National Centre for Genetic Resource and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), approved the release during its 36th General 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.
   

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 programme (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.