By Segun Adeyanju 

Leading agricultural firm, Arzikin Noma, has unveiled its Sorghum Value Chain Transformation Project to empower 10,000 farmers in Oyo, Ogun, and Kwara States.

The initiative seeks to promote sorghum cultivation as a cost-effective alternative to wheat and barley, commonly used in beverages, beer production, and livestock feed.

At the launch in Ikeja, Lagos, Arzikin Noma’s Managing Director, Adeoluwa Adesola, emphasized the project’s potential to mitigate food inflation and foster agricultural growth.

“Private entities must collaborate with smallholder farmers to scale production.

“Our partnerships with over 40,000 farmers in Northern Nigeria and East Africa demonstrate this commitment,” he stated.

The firm will provide farmers with high-yield sorghum seeds, training, resources, and financing in collaboration with the IDH Sustainable Trade Initiative.

Chief Operating Officer, Ugochukwu Oguike, highlighted sorghum’s economic benefits, noting its role in reducing dollar spending on imports and generating increased tax revenue.

Kwara State Commissioner for Agriculture, Oluwatoyosi Thomas, lauded the initiative while urging farmer compliance with agreements to ensure project continuity.

Stakeholders praised the initiative for its foresight and environmental benefits, with Dr. Ademola Otunba commending the secured market strategy to prevent post-harvest losses.

Interested farmers in the target states are encouraged to register for participation.