The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and key stakeholders in Nigeria’s agriculture sector emphasized the untapped opportunities within the Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
This appeal was made during the commemoration of the 2023 International Year of Millets, organized by FAO, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development in Abuja.
Mr. Fred Kafeero, FAO Representative in Nigeria and to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), underscored the transformative potential of millets. He stated, “Nigeria could transform the narrative surrounding millets by elevating it from being a mere staple food to a strategic crop that would contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
Highlighting millets’ significance, Kafeero recognized their resilience, adaptability, and nutritional value. “Millets, those tiny but mighty grains, have played an important role in the sustenance and nourishment of communities across the globe. We recognize their immense contribution to food security, poverty alleviation, and sustainable agriculture,” he emphasized.
The FAO reiterated its commitment to providing technical assistance to the Nigerian government in promoting millet cultivation, consumption, and commercialization. With renewed determination, stakeholders aim to harness the potential of millets to combat hunger, malnutrition, and the challenges posed by climate change.
Mrs. Sugra Mamood, Director of Food Safety at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized millet’s cultural significance and its potential to enhance agricultural sustainability. She highlighted its nutrient-rich profile, resilience to harsh climates, and lower water requirements compared to other staple crops.
Shri G. Balasubramanian, Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, praised millet’s prominence in the sub-Saharan region. He expressed India’s cooperation in promoting millets through the Indian Millet Initiative, offering technical assistance, knowledge sharing, and research and development support to Nigeria.
