Olam Earmarks N300m for Wheat Value-Chain Project

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

The sum of N300 million would be set aside for a 10-year programme aimed to boost wheat production in Nigeria through a wheat value-chain project, Olam, a notable agriculture company, has affirmed.

The scheme will work on the establishment of community seed enterprises for Nigerian farmers and will experiment with new heat-tolerant varieties of wheat and improved agronomic practices using a participatory approach that directly engages farmers.

A statement from the company said the project will strengthen agricultural production in northern Nigeria’s wheat farming belt with the aim of supporting the country’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in food production.

Business Post reports that this wheat value-chain project is the outcome of extensive high-level consultations with key stakeholders, following the successful inaugural Olam Green Land Webinar Series held in March.

It will involve a partnership with key stakeholders including the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), and Dr Filippo M Bassi, Senior Scientist, Durum Wheat Breeder of the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA).

Also, at least, 10 female farmers’ groups would be engaged to become true drivers of change for their communities by training women to lead community-based seed enterprises. These enterprises will produce and make available high-value seeds to farmers in their local communities.

It was stated that the female farmers’ associations will be trained on the most advanced agronomic practices for wheat cultivation so these can provide valuable advice to local growers.

Periodic feedback sessions will be scheduled with the women farmers, the research organisations and the value-chain stakeholders on the status of cultivation to identify areas for change and innovation.

This simple concept of “seeds and thoughts” is aimed at facilitating the adoption of new technologies and increasing economic opportunities for rural women.

“In order to ensure the long-term viability of the wheat sector in Nigeria, it is critical to identify and support the development of high-yielding local wheat varieties,” the Managing Director of Crown Flour Mill, a subsidiary of Olam, Mr Ashish Pande, stated.

“This project will further stimulate the federal government’s drive towards the attainment of economic growth, the country’s agricultural research capabilities, employment generation, community development and the economic empowerment of women in Nigeria,” he added.