Nigeria's Sunflower Association, Green Wall Agency Promote Cultivation

News in Brief:

-Nigerian agencies partner to promote sunflower cultivation in Nigeria’s dry regions as part of efforts to fight desertification and boost rural livelihoods.

-The crop offers over 50 economic values, matures quickly, and has growing demand across the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

The National Agency for the Great Green Wall (NAGGW) has entered a strategic partnership with the National Sunflower Growers, Processors and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NASGPMAN) to promote large-scale sunflower cultivation across Nigeria’s dry regions. This collaboration aims to boost livelihoods, afforestation, and sustainable land management through the cultivation of a crop that holds over 50 economic values from food and cosmetics to pharmaceuticals and animal feed.

A Profitable Crop for Nigeria’s Drylands

The NAGGW described the move as part of its broader mission to domesticate and promote sunflower farming in Nigeria’s dryland areas, regions highly affected by desertification. During a working visit to a sunflower demonstration site in the Gumau community, Toro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, the NAGGW team, led by the Director of Rural Development and Extension Services, Hajia Habiba Ibrahim Usman Lau, assessed field progress and met with farmers to identify partnership opportunities.

Sunflower Offers over 50 Economic Uses

Speaking during the visit, NASGPMAN National President, Jibrin K. Bukar, highlighted the enormous potential of sunflowers, describing them as one of the most versatile and high-value crops globally.

“Sunflower has over 50 economic values from its oil to its leaves and seeds,” Bukar explained. “Its oil is among the best in the world and the crop supports the food, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and poultry industries.”

He further noted that sunflower has a short gestation period of about three months, reaching maturity in as little as 72 days, making it ideal for farmers seeking quick and sustainable returns.

Combating Desertification

The partnership aligns with the NAGGW’s mandate to combat desertification and promote climate-smart agriculture in Nigeria’s northern and semi-arid regions. By integrating sunflowers into dryland farming systems, the Agency aims to enhance soil fertility, improve income for rural farmers, and strengthen food security in vulnerable communities.

What this Means for Nigerian Farmers

The collaboration between NAGGW and NASGPMAN opens new opportunities for Nigerian farmers, especially in Bauchi, Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, and Yobe, where dryland farming is common. Sunflowers’ adaptability to harsh climates, combined with their quick turnover and wide market demand, could make them a game-changer for farmers looking to diversify and increase profitability.