Nigeria to Adopt 40% OFSP Use in Bread Production
The Federal Government has revealed plans to meet with the Nigeria Master Baker’s Association to ensure the adoption of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) in the production of bread, at least by 40 percent.
This was recently disclosed by the Director, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Federal Department of Agriculture, Mrs Karima Babaginda, during a stakeholder meeting on the adoption and utilisation of OFSP in Birnin Kebbi.
Represented by the Regional Director North West, FMARD, Engr. Ubandoma Ularamu, Babaginda noted that the Federal Government has resolved to push against food shortage in the country.
“It has come to the knowledge of the ministry, the immense wealth and health benefits in potato production, especially Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) and as such the ministry is willing to explore these opportunities within the value chain in furtherance to achieving food security and nutrition for our beloved country.
“The primary objective of convening this stakeholder workshop is to create a forum for the stakeholders/major actors in the Potato Value Chain to chart a way forward for the realization of the fullest potentials locked up in potato production, processing/utilization and marketing,” Babaginda stated.
According to her, several challenges have been identified in the Potato Value Chain; right from the seed system protocols to the marketing of the produce.
“The challenges are quite enormous, but not one that is insurmountable. Therefore, all hands must be on deck to achieving this feat. There is no formal seed system for potato, and it’s been a major drawback in the development of the value chain in the country,” she added.
Babaginda further stated, “In achieving the above, please be informed that the Ministry is willing to contribute to the development of the Potato Value Chain through its various agencies and research institutes with mandates in rendering technical services.
“The ministry also has quite a number of support services for farmers and processors to benefit from. Farm inputs such as; agrochemicals, farm equipment and machinery available at subsidized rates in the ministry.”
The director further disclosed that the ministry is planning to partner with master bakers and other bakers associations to engage them on how to include 40 percent OFSP for bread making with the hope that it will increase the OFSP adoption, utilization and consumption in Nigeria.
source AGRONIGERIA
