Nigerian Govt Restates Commitment to Boost Sorghum Production

The Federal Government has said it is committed to boosting sorghum production in the country, to meet local demand.
Specifically, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Ernest Umakhihe, said this while inaugurating a technical committee to boost the production and consumption of the commodity.
According to Umakhihe, boosting the sorghum value chain in the country will enhance farmers’ income, increase youth participation in the value chain and contribute to the growth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Furthermore, he noted that the commodity has recently assumed a position of importance in the food and beverage sector, hence the need to improve its reception.
“In addition, the non-food industrial use of sorghum as grits also exists in aluminium ore refining, animal feeds, building materials and foundry binders.”
“The prevalence of many varieties and cultivars is identified as the major problem leading to low sorghum productivity resulting in supply shortfall.
“The varieties are not what is needed by our food industries, so this has necessitated the need to streamline the existing varieties to meet our food, industrial and export needs,” he said.
On his part, the Chairman of the Technical Committee, Prof. Dan Abah, assured that members would work assiduously toward achieving its mandates.

Agro Nigeria