Nigeria can save N127bn from cassava – Bakers

Nigeria can save N127 billion annually if it sustains the inclusion of 20 percent of cassava flour in bread production, chairman of the Borno chapter of the Association of Master Bakers and Confectioners of Nigeria, Mr Dominic Daniel, has said. Daniel said, while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri, much could be achieved if government looked into […]

Nigeria can save N127 billion annually if it sustains the inclusion of 20 percent of cassava flour in bread production, chairman of the Borno chapter of the Association of Master Bakers and Confectioners of Nigeria, Mr Dominic Daniel, has said.
Daniel said, while addressing newsmen in Maiduguri, much could be achieved if government looked into the value chain of growing, processing and marketing of cassava products to ensure good quality bread production.
He disclosed that the inability of his members to access the N2.2 billion Bank of Industry loan, lack of modern equipment for production of bread and proper training of bakers are some of the major constraints against the growth of the industry.
“Surprisingly, there is no mention of cassava bread in the 2016 budget. The initiative had stalled since the new government came into power. The price of wheat will continue to rise which will affect the price of bread in many parts of the country.
“Nigeria is the largest producer of cassava in the world which means we have advantage over other countries due to the volume of cassava we produce. Why can’t we use what we have? Government should empower our members with its approved “Bakesure” enhancer which produces high quality bread that would gain acceptability anywhere in the world,” he said.