This wheat value chain project will strengthen agricultural
production in northern Nigeria’s wheat farming belt and underline Olam’s
commitment to supporting the country’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in
food production.
The project will trial new heat-tolerant varieties of wheat
and improved agronomic practices using a participatory approach that directly
engages farmers.
It will also engage at least 10 female farmers’ associations
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
seed to farmers in their local communities.
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 between 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.
Commenting on the launch of the project, Ashish Pande,
Managing Director of CFM: said, “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. 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.”
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).
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