FCAPT Trains Stakeholders on Utilization of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato

Umar Idris Shuaibu – Kano

In an effort to promote healthy living among the citizens and ensure food security, the Federal College of Agricultural Produce Technology (FCAPT), has trained stakeholders on the adoption and utilization of the Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) into various products.

The training was conducted in collaboration with Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), in Kano.

Addressing the gathering, while declaring the event open, the Provost of FCAPT, Dr. Muhammad Yusha’u Gwaram, explained that considering the benefits of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato, the College has​resolved to explore the opportunities to further achieve food nutrition and food security.

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Dr. Gwaram says that the primary objective of the training is to create a forum for the stakeholders in the Potato Value Chain to put forward the realization of the fullest potentials lurking in Potato Production, Processing, and utilization.

Adding that the aim of bringing the stakeholders together is for them to become the champions in the act of value addition and product development from Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP).

“Its health benefits cannot be overemphasized as it is known to have enough nutritional value, and also help boost the immune system of our body.

“We, therefore, urged all stakeholders to cooperate with our institutions to ensure orange-fleshed sweet potato receive a boost in the Agric sector, thereby adding it into our day-to-day usage to increase food security in Nigeria”, the Provost of FCAPT stated.

Representative of the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Abdullahi Safiyanu Madugu said they come up with the idea of purposely supporting farmers of root and tuber association, to help them boost the production of Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) as a substitute to wheat flour which is not affordable to processors.

Madugu maintained if adopted fully, Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) has high beta carotene content which is a precursor of Vitamin A that makes it adequate for food to boost the immune system of the elderly and helps in combating Vitamin A Deficiency (VAD) among children.

In his remarks, Chairman Sweet Potato Farmers Association, Kaduna Branch Haruna Gambo Muhammad

Speaking earlier, the Vice Chairman Agro-allied Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI), Bello Gambo Kura, said their association will fully support the innovation as the product contains nutritional benefits to consumers.

Kura added that their association is ready to utilize the wealth potential of processing Orange-fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) into various confectioneries such as Chin-chin, juice, biscuits, cake, flour, and bread among others through their branches nationwide.

“If accepted by processors, it will boost their economic status, because the relevant institution is doing their best to come up with the best way of cultivating the product to increase food security as part of the agenda of President Tinubu, Vice President NASSI.

One of the beneficiaries of the one training, Aisha Sani Haruna, said they will extend the knowledge learned to their various areas, and farmers association for the benefit of others that did not get the opportunity to attend.