By Khadijat Saidu, Birnin-Kebbi

In an effort to promote healthy living among the citizens and to ensure food security, the Federal Government has advised potato farmers in the country to adopt planting of orange-fleshed sweet potato.

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development made the call during the sweet potato farmers’ stakeholder’ meeting held at Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin-Kebbi the state capital to sensitise them to the potato value chain.

Addressing the gathering, while declaring it open, the Director, Federal Department of Agriculture, Hajia Karima Babangida, explained that considering the benefits of orange-fleshed sweet potato, the Ministry has  resolved to explore the opportunities to further achieve food nutrition and food security.

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Karima, who was represented by Ubandoma Ularamu explain that the objective of convening the stakeholders’ workshop is to create a forum for the stakeholders/major actors in the potato value chain to put forward the realisation of the fullest potentials lurked up in potato production, processing, utilisation and marketing.

He added that the ministry is planning to partner with master bakers and other bakers associations to engage them on how to include 40 per cent OFSP puree for bread-making, with the hope to increase adoption, utilisation and consumption of OFSP across the country.

In achieving the above, she informed the gathering that the ministry is willing to contribute to the development of the potato value chain through its various agencies and research institutes with mandates in rendering technical services.