In order to assist the Nigerian government in addressing the issue of food insecurity in the nation, the multinational corporation Buhler has established a world class grain processing facility in the Northwest state of Kano.
The facility, which was recently dedicated to the processing of both local and ancient grains and the reengineering of grain processing, is the second to open in the nation and was commissioned in Lagos.
The managing director of Buhler, Thomas Ogundiran, disclosed this information at a press conference held in conjunction with the center’s flagging off ceremony, which took place on the grounds of the Northern Nigeria Flour Mills in Kano.
According to Ogundiran, the corporation has spent approximately $1 million US dollars setting up the center, which is anticipated to have an impact on food processing and manufacturing not just in Nigeria but throughout the African continent.
He said that as part of its commitment to addressing the rising food insecurity in Africa, his company, which is now operating in Kenya and Cote d’Ivoire, decided to develop and extend its presence to Nigeria.
“Buhler is partnering with the Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc, and Olam in starting this project in Kano state, known as the most active grains
production hub in Nigeria, as well as a place where grains are being consumed for centuries.
“The grains application center that we are commissioning today, will be processing local and ancient grains which Nigerians are used to, and is designed as a sustainable and transformative to address food insecurity.
“Today around 2.3 billion out of the total of 8 billion global the population lives in a food-insecure environment, according to the Food and Agriculture Organisation ( FAO) of the United Nations. With Nigeria specific advantages in local grains such as sorghum and millets can play a vital role in improving food security, particularly, in Africa.
“To address this challenge, Buhler is opening a dedicated Applicstion and Training Center with research and development capabilities in Kano, Nigeria, together with its founding partner, Flour Mills of Nigeria, and its collaborating partners, such as Olam Agri.”
Johannes Wick, the CEO of Buhler’s Grains and Food, stated during the Center’s commissioning that the project’s objective was to advance the industrial processing of these grains in order to promote affordable nutrition.
The chairman of the board of Flour Mills of Nigeria, John Coumantaros, gave a speech at the event and stated that the Center will have an impact on the food value chain in addition to providing a business opportunity in a new processed food category. He further stated that sustainable food value chains that use local grains are the top priority in developing Africa.
“FMN has always been at the forefront of driving food self sufficiency in Nigeria and progressively across the continent. The application
centre is well positioned to sustainably develop local grains, create business opportunities, and provide viable alternatives to some imported raw materials used in production. ” Therefore, this partnership further demonstrates our consistency in developing local content and in our commitment to feeding and enriching lives every day… Local grains and crops offer many benefits and are therefore a key tool in improving food security.
The head of the Buhler’new Grains Processing Innovation Center in Kano, Ali Hmayed, gave an overview of the project and said that it is working to integrate local grains and crops into industrial solutions and address complex issues related to low-farming volumes, short life due to lack of process knowledge and equipment, and climate tolerance. “They have high nutrients density with valuable vitamins, minerals, proteins, and fats, and are able to withstand high temperatures and arid conditions, and require less fertiliser and pesticides than other grains,” he said.
“Together with its partners, Buhler is now taking a major step to break through this bling agenda and is open to further collaborations. The GPIC is a three-building spanning an area of 480 square meters, housing pilot scale production facilities, research and development lab, and classrooms
“The production facility includes all steps of processing from cleaning and sorting to dehulling, tempering, and milling. The heart of the
plant is Buhler’s high-compression ALPesa grinding system.
“GIPC will be empowering customers, researchers, and partners to collaboratively explore cost of efficient food processing solution for local grains such as: sorghum, millet, maize, soybean, and other crops such as: cassava, and different types of beans, nuts and seeds” he
stated.
