Olam Agri, LCRI Announce Release of Improved Wheat Variety to Support Nigerian Farmers

In a major stride toward achieving wheat self-sufficiency and bolstering food security, Olam Agri, in partnership with the Lake Chad Research Institute (LCRI), has introduced a groundbreaking durum wheat variety tailored for Nigeria’s unique farming conditions. Known as “Crown,” this heat-tolerant and super-early maturing variety is specially designed for cultivation during the harmattan season.

The Crown wheat variety, developed under the guidance of Dr. Filippo Bassi, a specialist wheat breeder at the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), stems from research that earned the prestigious Olam Prize for Innovation in Food Security in 2018. Dr. Bassi explained that Crown meets the need for fast-growing wheat varieties, allowing farmers to maximize their cropping cycles by replanting rice promptly after wheat harvests. Moreover, Crown is certified for producing high-quality pasta, presenting an opportunity for value addition in Nigeria’s wheat value chain.

Dr. Kachalla Mala, LCRI’s lead breeder on the project, emphasized the importance of making high-quality seeds accessible to farmers. He noted that collaboration with women’s cooperative unions and local farmers is pivotal to multiplying and commercializing the Crown seed variety.

This initiative also garnered praise from key figures in Olam Agri’s leadership. Mr. Nitin Mehta, Managing Director of Crown Flour Mill Limited, celebrated the release as a significant milestone, while Mr. Anil Nair, Managing Director of Olam Agri Nigeria, highlighted the alignment of this breakthrough with the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda to enhance food security.

This development not only underscores Nigeria’s potential for local wheat production but also positions farmers to improve their income through enhanced yields and expanded cropping cycles.
Source- ThisDayLive

Expert Review for Agri-Food Stakeholders

Key Opportunities for Stakeholders;
1. Enhanced Productivity: The Crown wheat variety offers a high-yield option during the harmattan season, optimizing land use and allowing farmers to integrate rice-wheat rotations.
2. Value Addition: With certification for pasta production, Crown creates a pathway for downstream industries to engage in wheat processing, boosting local agri-industrial activities.
3. Resilience in Agriculture: Heat tolerance addresses climate variability, ensuring consistent production despite rising temperatures in Nigeria.

Stakeholder Recommendations;
1. Seed Multiplication and Accessibility: Support the multiplication of Crown seeds and ensure they reach smallholder farmers through partnerships with cooperative unions and seed distribution networks.
2. Training and Awareness: Provide farmers with training on best agronomic practices for Crown wheat to maximize its potential.
Facilitate partnerships between wheat farmers and processors, ensuring a ready market for harvested wheat.

Long-Term Impacts;
1. Food Security: By reducing dependency on imported wheat, Crown contributes to Nigeria’s efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in wheat production.
2. Income Generation: Enhanced yields and multiple cropping cycles improve farmers’ earnings.
3. Industrial Growth: Local pasta production can thrive with consistent, high-quality raw materials, fostering economic growth along the wheat value chain.

 Future Directions;
1. Expand testing and adaptation of Crown wheat in other regions with similar climatic conditions.
2. Encourage private and public investments in infrastructure for wheat processing and storage to reduce postharvest losses.
3. Leverage this success as a model to develop other climate-resilient crops tailored for Nigeria’s diverse agro-ecological zones.

This innovation signifies a critical leap forward in Nigeria’s quest for agricultural resilience and food security, with far-reaching benefits for farmers, processors, and consumers.