Nigeria can save N127bn from wheat importation with 20% cassava in bread


Master Bakers Association of Nigeria says Nigeria can save N127 billion annually from wheat importation, if the 20 per cent inclusion of cassava four in bread production policy is implemented.
The chairman of Borno chapter of the association, Mr Dominic Daniel stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Maiduguri on Monday.
Daniel, therefore, called on the Federal Government to look once more into the value chain of growing and processing cassava to ensure the production of quality bread in the country.
According to him, the country will depend less on wheat if the cassava bread initiative is revisited and made to work.
Daniel, however, explained that the 20 per cent inclusion of cassava flour inclusion in bread production was becoming difficult to achieve by bakers due to a lot of constraints.
He said some of those constraints included inability to access the N2.2 billion Bank of Industry loan by members of the association, lack of equipment for bread production and proper training for members.
``The initiative when implemented could provide huge benefits to the Nigerian economy.
“It will reduce wheat importation by 50 per cent and millions of people will be engaged in cassava production.
``Surprisingly, there is no mention of cassava bread in the 2016 budget.
``The price of wheat will continue to rise and this will affect the price of bread in many parts of the country, making it difficult for the common man to afford bread.
``Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world which means we have advantage over other countries. Why can’t we use what we have?’’ Daniel said. (NAN)

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