Cassava Bread has come to stay

The policy of the Federal Government on Cassava Bread has received tremendous boost from the two major Flour Mills in the country; the Flour Mills of Nigeria and the Honeywell Flour Mills which control over 70% of the Flour milling industry.

The boost is an inclusion and commercialization of 10% High Quality Cassava Flour/wheat composite flour, as an additional brand, launched late 2014. In addition, there is 2-3% general inclusion in the full line. The implication is that every loaf of bread produced in the country contains cassava flour; and this is an important milestone for the Cassava Transformation Agenda.

Speaking at a meeting of the Cassava Team of the FMARD with the association of Flour Millers last week, the CEOS of both companies expressed their commitment to the FG's effort in diversifying the economic base of the country and creates jobs for millions of Nigerian farmers and the potential ones in the whole value chain of Cassava. They however appeal to the Ministry to ensure that incentives as stated in the draft policy document.

In his response, Dr. Martin Fregene, the team leader, expressed the appreciation for the continued support of the association in driving the policy. He further stated that the policy to ensure sustainability of this initiative is in the process of receiving the endorsement and confirmation of the legislators. In the team were Mrs. Toyin Adetunji, Head of Cassava Team, Mr. Ademola Efuntoye, the Director Office of the Hon. Minister and Mr. Samuel Ayeni, the desk Officer for Cassava in the Ministry.