News in Brief:
– The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency is set to train five million Nigerian youths in cassava cultivation to boost the economy and support the pharmaceutical industry.
– This initiative, part of the Cassava Value Chain Initiative, will involve large-scale farming, modern processing, and the development of innovative natural medicine products.
The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) has announced plans to train five million Nigerian youths in cassava cultivation through its Cassava Value Chain Initiative.
Harnessing Nigeria’s cassava potential
The Director-General of the NNMDA, Prof. Martins Emeje, highlighted the agency’s goal of leveraging Nigeria’s significant cassava production to drive economic growth. He noted Nigeria’s importance in cassava production, accounting for over 20% of global production.
The initiative aims to create employment opportunities and generate wealth. It also aims to bolster the pharmaceutical and natural medicine industries by maximizing the value chain of cassava.
Additionally, it will involve partnerships with relevant stakeholders to establish extensive cassava farms and state-of-the-art processing facilities.
Nanotechnology and pharmaceutical applications
Emeje, a renowned nanotechnology expert, explained that the project will priorities the production of pharmaceutical-grade starch and the development of innovative natural medicine products.
Furthermore, he noted NNMDA’s strategic approach, which involves advancing research to produce high-quality starch for pharmaceutical applications. Also, he added that the agency is dedicated to creating products that combine cassava-derived starch with natural ingredients.
NNMDA: a catalyst for Nigeria’s natural medicine industry
The Nigeria Natural Medicine Development Agency (NNMDA) is a government agency established in 1997. It seeks to promote and regulate the development of natural medicine in Nigeria. Since its inception, NNMDA has been instrumental in driving the growth and recognition of traditional medicine in the country.
Key achievements of NNMDA:
- Standardisation and Quality Control: NNMDA has implemented rigorous standards and quality control measures to ensure the safety and efficacy of natural medicine products.
- Research and Development: The agency has invested in research and development initiatives to explore the therapeutic potential of Nigerian medicinal plants.
- Capacity Building: NNMDA has organised training programs and workshops to empower traditional medicine practitioners and researchers.
- International Collaboration: The agency has forged partnerships with international organisations to promote Nigerian natural medicine on the global stage.
- Product Development: NNMDA has supported the development of innovative natural medicine products, such as herbal remedies and dietary supplements.
