As an essential food crop, maize is crucial to the country’s economy because it serves as feed for livestock and raw materials for several manufacturing processes. However, to fully realize the enormous potential of Nigeria’s maize value chain, the 5th Nigeria Maize Conference, was held with the theme “Much More Maize: Engaging Stakeholders for a Sustainable Maize Value Chain”, and experts and stakeholders came together on the subject. The conference was organised by Bayer West-Central Africa, a multinational life science company, in partnership with the Maize Association of Nigeria (MAAN). Conference attendees included farmers, industry leaders, and government officials discussing solutions to problems in the value chain and how to increase production through collaboration.
Being one of Africa’s largest producers of maize, Nigeria has tremendous potential for expanding its agricultural sector. Taking on the challenges and seizing the opportunities along the value chain was the focus of the conference, which provided a vital forum for the dissemination of information and the formation of new collaborations. Temitope Banjo, country sales manager for Bayer Nigeria Ltd., reaffirmed the conference’s goal of bringing together industry players to build long-term, mutually beneficial partnerships towards a more sustainable future.
Best practices and sustainable ways of farming are necessary.
In his remarks, he reaffirmed Bayer’s dedication to its stakeholders by saying the company would continue to collaborate with them, share its expertise, and encourage the use of sustainable farming practices. The organizers maintain that the conference successfully provided critical insights that will strengthen farmers and stakeholders while highlighting the significance of progressive learning and adaptation. Knowledge of the newest advancements, best practices, and innovations in its production was shared and discussed at the conference, which acted as a hub for knowledge for its attendees.
Furthermore, renowned experts contributed their knowledge and experiences, talking about problems like pest control, agronomic practices and market access. The farmers were empowered with resources that would help them increase their production, lessen their post-harvest losses, and better their harvests. The conference covered not only the technical side of things but also key aspects of the dynamics of the market. After the meeting, participants released a statement emphasizing the significance of branding, value chain integration, quality control, and access to premium markets.
Dekalb DK777 is set to transform its growing demand.
At the meeting, Bayer relaunched their hybrid maize variety, Dekalb DK777. It has the ability to produce 10–12 tons per hectare and reaches maturity at a medium-early stage. It has a high tolerance for leaf diseases and is resistant to Maize Lethal Necrosis (MLN). DK777’s flint grain type makes it easy to pound. The strong stem allows it to stand strongly. The cobs are well-spaced and simple to harvest. High production potential, resistance to MLN disease, good resistance to leaf diseases, flint grain type, uniform cob positioning, and more are just some of the benefits of growing Dekalb DK777.
Also, they found that the poultry and manufacturing industries were growing their demand for maize and that there was potential for boosting the average production rate and increasing the land area used for cultivation. As a result of this comprehensive knowledge of market dynamics, farmers and stakeholders could coordinate their production and marketing efforts, giving them an edge in domestic and foreign markets. Continuous learning and adaptability should be the primary lesson for everyone involved. Because of the rapid pace of change in agriculture, professionals in the field must keep abreast of emerging technologies and market tendencies.
More contribution and participation will boost productivity.
Lastly, farmers are strongly urged to embrace emerging technology, make financial contributions to research and development, and take part in programmes designed to enhance their production capacities. Initiatives that encourage teamwork, information sharing, and skill building should have the full backing of all involved parties. Similarly, the Interim Coordinator of the Nigeria Commodity Exchange (NCX), Mr. Elenwor Ihua, who was represented by NCX’s Head of Quality Control, Dr. Khadijat Abdulaziz, also revealed that the country’s agricultural sector has vast economic potential and opportunities that can support any genuine business ventures.
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