Prof Jibrin Mohammed-Jibrin, Director, Centre for Dryland Agriculture (CDA), Bayero University, Kano, has advised Nigerians to embrace sorghum diet for improved health.
Mohammed-Jibrin, who gave the advice in Kano, at a press briefing on the outcome of a research on composite sorghum flour, added that the nutrient-rich grain would promote food security in the country.
The research with the topic, “Sustainable Packaging Solution for Composite Sorghum” (SUSPND) is a collaborative effort between the CDA, University in Reading, UK, ICRISAT and TAZIJ Nigeria Limited.
According to Mohammed-Jibrin, “Sorghum is rich in vitamins, minerals, dietary fibre and anti-oxidant which helps in natural cure of diabetes, lower cholesterol, and boost energy.
“Sorghum also contains iron, magnesium and copper which help in blood circulation to prevent anemia.”
He said the research, funded by GCRF Agrifood Africa innovation awards Round 6 was initiated to address grassroots challenges confronting sorghum cultivation as well as to reduce the importation of the grains.
Mohammed-Jibrin said the research, also aimed at promoting indigenous food and ensures food security.
Similarly, the lead Researcher CDA, Dr Hakeem Ajeigbe, said the advocacy on sorghum production and consumption would increase economic prosperity and addressed challenges in food processing, distribution and storage.
He said the research focussed on ways to improve the availability and accessibility of safe, healthy, nutritious and sustainable local food.
Earlier, the head of department, Food Science and Technology, BUK, Dr Hauwa Ladi-Yusuf, said composite sorghum flour with soya beans and small cassava targets all age groups especially diabetic patients.
In the same vein, the country director, ICRISAT, Dr Ignatius Angarawai, appealed to the general public to desist from consuming hybrid food, because it could result in cancer.
