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Published on
01.07.24
The Minister of Agriculture and Livestock in Niger, ElHadji Mahamane Ousmane, paid an official courtesy visit to the regional headquarters of Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique du Niger (INRAN) at CERRA in Maradi as part of his plan to engage scientists on issues related to their working conditions, including food security in the country.
Meeting with the deputy secretary of the region and other dignitaries, the Minister went on a tour to discover the activities undertaken by the institute. He visited the entomologist laboratory where he explored the production of the novel black soldier fly (BSF) technology implemented by INRAN and IITA-led BSF for a Bio Circular Economy and Environmental Sustainability (BBEST) with funding from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). This research for development (R4D) project aims to address two challenges: unsustainable biowaste management and unsustainable animal feed and fertilizer supply.
Minister Ousmane commended the scientists’ work on the BSF technology. This sustainable practice transforms organic waste into protein-rich animal feed and protein-rich organic fertilizer for vegetable production and soil restoration. This aligns with the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) orientation for food safety and research. He also lauded the scientists for their dedication and hard work.