Nigeria, Uganda to sign MOU on uptake of 200,000MT dried mushrooms ---- FG

Nigeria, Uganda to sign MOU on uptake of 200,000MT dried mushrooms ---- FG


By NAN

The Federal Republic of Nigeria and its Uganda counterparts will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the uptake of 200,000 metric tonnes of the Nigerian Dried Mushroom.

In his goodwill message, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Investment, Nura Abba Rimi, confirmed the development at the 3rd AQAN Food Summit, themed: '"Sustainable Mushroom Value Chain from the Farm to Market in Lagos.

NAN reports that the summit is organised by the Agriquest Africa Network (AQAN) to discuss the agricultural value chain and market systems in Africa, with a specific focus on the mushrooms value chain. 

NAN reports that Dried mushrooms are a popular ingredient in many cuisines, offering a concentrated flavor and long shelf life. They're often used in soups, stews, sauces, and stir-fries.

Some benefits of dried mushrooms include: Convenience: Easy to store and transport; Flavor intensity: Dried mushrooms have a more intense flavor than fresh ones; Nutritional value: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

Represented by Kassim Rufai, the ministry's Principal Commercial Officer, Rimi said the National Mushroom Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria would signed MOU with its counterparts in the Uganda Mushroom association on Sept. 18.

The permanent secretary said the agreement which would be at the present of the two governments which last for a period of five years (from 2025 to 2030) at a $7000 per metre ton.

He said the association which was the umbrella body of all stakeholders alongside the value chain explained that Mushroom Production in Nigeria wss a growing sector, driven by its low start up cost, quick turn around times and potential for high profit. 

The permanent secretary said dreadfully, the current production shortfalls the local demand not to talk of the International Market

The permanent secretary said the MoU when it was signed would offered a sustainable food source and aligned with the increasing demand for locally grown organic food. 

Rimi said the mushroom farming in the country could be scaled from small home operations to larger commercial ventures. 

He said: "I am honoured to address this gathering of stakeholders in the Agricultural value chain on the occasion of this Important Agriculture and Market system Dialogue focus on mushrooms value chain.

"Today's event is strategic within the Context of the economic diversified drive of the presents administration's effort anchored on the Economic Recovery Growth plan.

"This plans further seeds among other things to develop the non-oil sector by boosting production, encouraging value addition for our local market and increase in export for foreign exchange earnings, in wealth and job creation.

"Mushrooms have the potential to earn high returns since they can be cultivated all year round and also land is not a barrier for growing mushrooms as it can grow even inside your living room."

Rimi, while commending the organisers for making this event a success, assured stakeholders that the federal government would continue to provide all the necessary platforms for the private sector to thrive especially in the Agricultural Commodity Value chain

He urged them to take advantage opportunity that would guide government decisions at ensuring total compliance by stakeholders to the International protocols Residual Limits for sustainable growth of the nation's economy.

Earlier in his speech, the Executive Director, Mr Abiodun Olaniyi said the forum aimed to bring together stakeholders in the agricultural sector to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in developing the mushrooms value chain.

Olaniyi said at the end of the forum, the take home was for participants to learn the Mushroom Production and Processing on the best practices in mushroom production and processing.

He said: "In the area of market systems and value chain development, participants were exploded to the market systems and value chain development in the mushrooms industry.

"Also, in the aspect of innovative solutions and technologies, participants were thought on the innovative solutions and technologies in mushroom production and processing.

"Lastly, participants were also enlighten on the government policy and regulatory frameworks supporting the development of the mushrooms industry."

A participant, Mrs Bola Adaranijo, who is a farmer, said the forum facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange among stakeholders in the mushrooms value chain.

Adaranijo said she had been exposed to foster collaboration and partnerships among stakeholders in the agricultural sector.

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