NAFDAC encourages scientific production of traditional crops

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has expressed the need for effective and scientific production of traditional crops so as to annex their full potentials. The Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, stated this at the 4th International Conference on Africa’s Indigenous Stimulants conference, held at the Centre for Black […]

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration Control (NAFDAC) has expressed the need for effective and scientific production of traditional crops so as to annex their full potentials.
The Director General of NAFDAC, Dr. Paul Orhii, stated this at the 4th International Conference on Africa’s Indigenous Stimulants conference, held at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo, Osun State on Tuesday.
“Traditional crops such as kolanut, bitternut and moringa plant have been with us for years. I will encourage the production of these crops in more effective and scientific way in order to harness their full potentials.”
Orhii, who was represented by a director from the agency, Dr. Bukar Ali Usman, noted that researches are now revealing the huge benefits of these plants which our forefathers had enjoyed without proper documentation.
“It must be stated that these products will attract higher prices if the active ingredients are extracted and refined. I therefore urge industries to fund the research and development of pharmaceutical activities inherent in production of indigenous stimulants,” he said.
The NAFDAC boss said the agency would not relent in evaluating new products whether drug, food or dietary supplement that incorporates indigenous stimulants.
Speaking on the theme of the conference which was “Utilization of Africa’s Indigenous Stimulants as a Key to Poverty Eradication,” Orhii urged governments at all levels to create wealth from the traditional crops.
“The tasks of eradicating poverty have been the challenge of many governments across the world, the ability to create wealth start with our ability to utilize resources in our immediate environment,” he added