The Center for Dryland Agriculture (CDA) of the Bayero University Kano (BUK) says it has unveiled a research solution that would address issues related to nutrition-related diseases in Nigeria.
The Director of the Center, Prof. Jibrin Mohammed told journalists while unveiling the research findings at the Center on Saturday.
According to him, the research product, ‘Tuwo’, a local food with sorghum-based flour, and rich in carbohydrates, fiber, and essential micronutrients, will supplement diet deficiency,as well as promote and add value to local cereal.
Mohammed further said that the composite sorghum flour source, which is processed by the Center, will reduce the importation of processed food and complement the effort to ensure food security in the country.
The research lead, Dr. Hakeem Ajeigbe, disclosed that besides the nutritional values, CDC has created an avalanche of job and business opportunities for young persons who wish to embrace agricultural processing.
Ajeigbe stressed that with the vistas of value addition in packaging, processing, and marketing of agricultural products, the new research solution will create a limitless opportunity to boost the local and international economy.
On the nutritional value, the head of Department, Food and Nutrition Science, Dr. Hauwa Ladi Yusuf said that Sorghum flour is a staple of the Nigerian diet, and is rich in carbohydrates, fibre, and essential micronutrients (Fe and Zn).
She added that the sorghum-based products mix with soyabeans and Cassava can be used to improve the nutrient status of a population already at sub-optimal levels, with high incidence of diet-related diseases like anaemia and stunting.
The Guardian
