Maize plays a predominant role in the farming systems and diets of millions of Nigerians. It is a very versatile crop since it is used for domestic consumption in addition to its industrial use by flour mills, breweries, confectioneries and animal feed manufacturers. Consequently, increasing maize yields and its cultivation particularly in high production potential areas of the country i.e. areas which enjoy a comparative advantage for maize production, can jumpstart a second maize green revolution in the country.
Some of the factors that make maize an ideal target crop for intensification in high production potential areas of the county include the following:
- Its high yield potential
- Diversified uses
- Ease of transportation, processing and marketing
- The availability of dependable research products
Nigeria is endowed with such high production potential areas which also have low population diversity making them suitable for expanding maize production. Since the consumption of wheat and rice - both of which are largely imported, is rising in urban centers, maize can play a major role in import substitution and sub-regional trade.
It follows therefore, that focusing on maize production can increase GDP and Enhance regional trade for Nigeria. It can also result in employment generation and wealth creation, and reduce our foreign exchange expenditure.
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