Nigeria, UN, Partners collaborate to boost millet production and consumption
In a bid to enhance food security and nutrition diversity in Nigeria, the Federal Government, in collaboration with the United Nations (UN) and other partners have come together to promote the production of millet and take advantage of the socio-economic and dietary potentials provided by the Millet value chain.
It would be recalled that Millets have taken center stage since the United Nations designated 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023), recognizing the need to address the challenges of hunger, poverty, and climate change.
To commemorate this global event, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (FMARD) and the Lake Chad Research Institute, hosted an inaugural seminar in Nigeria. The event raised awareness about the importance of millets in achieving food security, sustainable agriculture, and resilience in the face of climate change.
The FMARD Permanent Secretary Dr. Ernest Umakhihe while declaring the event opened said the importance of promoting the production of millets in the country cannot be overemphasized, especially for its contribution to food security and nutrition for the people.
Represented by the Director of Tree Crops Mr. Bernard Ukattah, he said “the production of millets in Nigeria must be encouraged as it is resilient to harsh weather conditions. Also different food types are produced from millet, thus the economic benefits of the value chain are there. It is a nutrient-rich crop packed with diverse essentials vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber”.
The FAO Representative in Nigeria and to ECOWAS, Fred Kafeero, emphasized the immense potential of millets, highlighting their nutritional value and significant contributions to food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable agriculture. “By celebrating the International Year of Millets, we seize the opportunity to spotlight the untapped opportunities within Nigeria's agricultural sector and reinvigorate its role as a key driver of economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability”, he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Dede Ekoue, IFAD Country Director, highlighted the profound impact of millets on smallholder farmers who form the backbone of Nigeria's agricultural sector. Recognizing their knowledge, resilience, and hard work, it is crucial to ensure their voices are heard, their needs met, and their contributions duly recognized.
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri G. Balasubramanian, expressed delight in being part of the Nigeria Inaugural Seminar as part of the India-Africa International Millet Conference. India's collaboration with Africa has played a crucial role in advancing agricultural advancements and promoting mutual prosperity. Embracing millets as a smart food has not only led to the development of numerous delicious meals and recipes but has also improved the nutritional profile of the population.
This positive impact on health and well-being extends to smallholder farmers who have found new opportunities and markets for their millet produce. Together, India and Africa can harness the potential of millets, creating sustainable and resilient food systems for a brighter future.
The seminar brought together stakeholders from various sectors, including government officials, research institutes, private sector entities, and civil society organizations. It provided a platform for knowledge sharing, discussions on policy actions, partnerships, and initiatives to promote millet cultivation, consumption, and utilization in Nigeria.
Fatima Sugra Mahmood Director of Nutrition and Food Safety at FMARD, while welcoming participants emphasized the significance of millets for food security and sustainable agriculture in Nigeria. By promoting millet cultivation, agricultural sustainability can be enhanced, vulnerability to climate change reduced, and livelihoods improved for farmers across the country.
Under the theme, “Rich in Heritage, Full of Potential”, the seminar sessions focused on the challenges faced in millet production and utilization in Nigeria, the health and nutrition potential of millets, and strategies to promote new and improved millet varieties. A plenary/panel discussion provided participants with an opportunity to share their views and recommendations on promoting millets in Nigeria.
Dr. Ignatius Angarawai, Country Director at ICRISAT, expressed excitement about the Nigeria Inaugural Seminar, emphasizing the organization's dedication to promoting millets as a smart food and supporting African smallholder farmers. Through cutting-edge research and innovative developments, ICRISAT empowers farmers with improved millet varieties, climate-smart agricultural practices, and resilient farming systems. By working together, a better future can be secured through millets.
The inaugural seminar in Abuja marked the first International Year of Millet’s event in Nigeria. The celebration will continue with a food fair and exhibition in Kano state on 15 July, leading to an international conference on millets in Maiduguri, Borno state, in November. The exhibition will provided information about the nutritional benefits of millet and cooking tips to inspire creative uses.
By hosting these events, the stakeholders aim to achieve multiple outputs, including promoting research and development of millets, expanding millet production through effective advisory services, raising consumer awareness about the nutritional benefits of millets, promoting millet-based products in the food industry, and fostering partnerships for the sustainable development of millet-based systems.
FAO, IFAD, WFP and FMARD are committed to supporting Nigeria in its efforts to harness the potential of millets and transform the agricultural sector into a driver of economic growth, social development, and environmental sustainability.
Related Links
https://www.fao.org/millets-2023/en
https://www.fao.org/publications/sofi/2022/en/
Contact for more information
David Tsokar Uloma MezieOsuocha
Communication Specialist Communication for Development