Nigeria, known as a prominent maize producer in Africa, is poised for significant agricultural development. Maize serves as a crucial crop in the country’s economy, functioning as a staple food, livestock feed, and raw material for various industries. To fully tap into the immense potential of Nigeria’s maize value chain, a gathering of experts and stakeholders recently took place at the 5th Nigeria Maize Conference. The conference, organized by Bayer West-Central Africa, in collaboration with the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN), aimed to address challenges and foster collaboration to enhance productivity.
Under the theme “Much More Maize: Engaging Stakeholders for a Sustainable Maize Value Chain,” the conference provided a pivotal platform for knowledge exchange, experience sharing, and partnership building within the maize industry. Temitope Banjo, the Country Sales Manager at Bayer Nigeria Ltd., emphasized the goal of uniting stakeholders and creating a sustainable and collaborative synergy for a secure future.
Renowned experts shared their experiences and insights, tackling issues such as pest control, market access, and agronomic practices. Farmers gained practical tools and techniques to boost productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and improve maize quality. Moreover, the relaunching of Dekalb DK777, a hybrid maize variety developed by Bayer, took place at the conference. With its high yield potential, disease tolerance, and desirable grain type, DK777 offers significant benefits to farmers.
In addition to technical aspects, the conference also addressed crucial market dynamics. Participants stressed the importance of value chain integration, quality control, branding, and accessing premium markets. The poultry and manufacturing sectors, in particular, demonstrated an increasing demand for maize, highlighting the potential for expanding maize cultivation and improving yield rates. By understanding market dynamics, farmers and stakeholders can align their production and marketing strategies, gaining a competitive advantage in domestic and international markets.
Continuous learning and adaptation emerged as key takeaways for all participants. Given the ever-evolving nature of agriculture, staying updated with the latest innovations and industry trends is essential. Farmers are encouraged to embrace new technologies, invest in research and development, and participate in capacity-building programs. Stakeholders are urged to support initiatives that foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and skill development.
Representatives from the Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX) emphasized the vast economic potential in agriculture and the need for a robust commodity ecosystem to accommodate genuine business ventures. By facilitating such an ecosystem, the NCX aims to contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Overall, Nigeria’s maize industry possesses immense potential for agricultural development. Through collaborative efforts, knowledge sharing, and embracing innovative practices, stakeholders can unlock the full potential of the maize value chain, leading to sustainable growth and prosperity in the sector.
