A Non Governmental Organization the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition GAIN in Nigeria says it is targeting eighty Local Government Councils in eight states of Nigeria to scale up the implementation of biofortified cassava and maize production.
Project Manager Mr Ijudai Jasada announced this at a one day stakeholders round table engagement on the promotion and consumption of vitamin A maize in Niger state held in Minna.
Mr Ijudai Jasada explained that the aim of the project was to increase farmers productivity towards achieving food security in Niger state and Nigeria at large.
According to him the measure is also part of efforts at improving nutritional output in the rural areas to address the problem of malnutrition.
In her remarks Niger state Commissioner for Investment Commerce and Industries, Hajiya Ramatu Yar’adua described the partnership as timely.
Represented by Permanent Secretary in the ministry Alh Baba Wachiko Yahaya the Commissioner assured of their support moreso the project is targetted at the processors and value chain actors comprising of women and youths for self sufficiency in food production.
Hajiya Ramatu Yar’adua also promised to synergise with other participating states in Nigeria to achieve maximum results.
Secretary to the Niger State Government Ahmed Ibrahim Matane represented by the Permanent Secretary Economic Affairs Hussaini Ahmed added that the state government would avail farmers with fortified vitamin A products which would help to address night blindness and other related diseses in addition to improving the revenue base of Niger state.
The eight participating states are Cross river Anambra, Nasarawa, Osun, Niger, Kaduna, Oyo and Imo.
Aliyu Lawal, Minna