Food Security
MAIZE — MORPHOLOGY , PRODUCTION & PROCESSING.

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MORPHOLOGY
— Maize is predominantly in the cereal group of Southern Nigeria. To some extent it is cultivated throughout Nigeria, it’s next only to guinea corn in degree of production. Maize is suitable to tropical conditions can adapt to even the extreme climatic conditions. It can be grown from sea level to a height of over 10, 000 ft
NUTRIENTS COMPOSITIONS
—- Carbohydrates –69.2%
—- Protein — 9.9%
—- Fats –4.4%
—– Ash — 1.3%
—– H2O 13.0%

Minerals and Vitamins are present in small amount from this value, Maize is richer than guinea corn or any other cereal (except Oats and Wheat)
The protein is relatively high its also high in carbohydrates Potassium, Chloride, Sodium, Sulphur etc. Its also richer in Ash(mineral matter ) and vitamins. The non starchy components ate concentrated in the germ which forms about 11% of the whole grain. (Proteins are concentrated in the regions ) Yellow and White variety are similar in composition but Yellow is richer in Carotene the precursor of Vitamins A (ie Pigment of Vit A ).Maize protein are relatively of poor quality.Zein and Alutelin are the protein on maize in about equal proportion. Zein has particularly low biological value since it’s deficient in lysine and anyptoplain which are indispensable to growth of the young .
The deficiencies of lysine and tryptophan limits the biological value of maize protein to about 60% (of the nutritive value ) . Cultivation of hybrid corn in the USA has resulted in the production of high yielding varieties which are also resistant to pest . High degree of starchness ,oil,protein and carotene .content have also been introduced into hybridisation.
OPTIMUM MAIZE PRODUCTION
Maize is undoubtedly the primary staple food in Africa . Any factor that influences maize yields is therefore of key concern to farmers. Extraneous factors such as weather patterns notwithstanding, it is important for maize farmers to pay attention to all the good standard practices needed for optimum production.
Firstly, the farmer needs to understand their agro ecological zone. This helps determine the climatic conditions ideal for maize production and informs correct hybrid seed choice. At this juncture, the farmer needs to understand the soil characteristics prevalent in their field. Maize is a nutrient intensive and requires adequate supplies of all nutrients for all growth stages. Fertile, well drained, well aerated and good textured soil is able to supply these nutrients. However, soil pH determines the availability of nutrients in the soil. pH is the level of acidity or alkalinity of the soil. Maize crops grow best at a soil pH of between 5.5 and 7.3, with pH 6.0–6.5 being optimal. In this range, nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium are readily available. Nitrogen helps in establishment of healthy leaves, phosphorus for root formation, potassium for fruiting while secondary nutrients such as calcium and magnesium among others are critical for crop physiological functions. Soil testing helps establish the available nutrients and the remedial steps that need to be undertaken in case of deficiencies. Fertile soil should be well prepared for sowing. The correct tillage method ensures ample availability of all plant nutrients, water retention and reduced incidences of pests and diseases.
It is important for the farmer to prepare for sowing by selecting the correct seed. Indeed, good seed doesn’t cost, it pays. In the case of maize, “good seed” often equates to good hybrid seed. Commercially acquired certified seeds are as a standard practice dressed with a fungicide and an insecticide to prevent diseases and insects respectively. A novel and growing practice is the further dressing with beneficial microorganisms such as Panoramix to ensure robust growth characterised by well-established root system. This improves nutrient and water use efficiency, resulting in a healthy resilient crop able to achieve higher yields. In addition, the correct sowing depth will ensure uniform emergence and good plant population.
During, sowing it is crucial to use the right nutrient sources which include organic manure and fertilizers. Organic manure should be applied few weeks before sowing. For better fertilizer efficiency, it is important to use the 4R principles, which are the four ‘rights’ of fertilizer management i.e. apply the right source of nutrient at the right rate, at the right time and in the right place. Maize also requires ‘booster nitrogen’ over the growing period. It is important to top dress after 25-30 days of sowing and do the final top dressing after 20-25 days of first top dressing.
It should be noted that the emergence, comes with other unwanted plants that compete with maize for nutrients. It is important to remove the unwanted plants by weeding regularly. If all these steps are followed, and the weather patterns are favourable, then the farmer is guaranteed of a bumper harvest.How to get optimum Maize production
PROCESSING
Maize value chains are Food , Flour, Starch & Oils industrially maize could be processed into corn flour or flakes .
The starchy endosperm may be processed into Glucose, Dextrose also for both edible and laundry purposes. While the germ gives rise to maize oill. The variety of Indian maize can be used in making salad or cooking oil.
The silk of maize plant may be used as filters,husks for mattresses while the leaves is used for hay and silage for animal feeds.
PROCESS ENGINEERING.
Maize grains are conformed into COMMINUTION process which is a term for Size Reduction or increasing the surface area,. in Crushers or Grinders equipment.
—-COMPRESSION,– Used for coarse reduction of hard solid.
— IMPACT, —- Gives coarse medium or fine products.
—- ATTRITION Yields very fine products for non abrasive materials. and
—–Cutting gives definate particle size. The objectives of Crusher or Grinder is to produce smaller particles from lager ones thereby “increasing the surface area” of the grain .
—– The term Enzymatic SACCARIFICATION is used for the production of Glucose or Dextrose
—– Corn flakes are produced by IMPARTING boiled maize on rollers mills.
— Flour milling through Roller mills of determined clearance.
—– Livestock feeds, — Nigeria consumed about 60% of annual maize production for the ever increasing animal husbandry industries.
At WufasAgronet, we are Competent and Reliable Food Technologists into Human Capital Development Consultancy. Training the teeming youthful population in Ethics of Food Processing enhancing Global competitiveness and international best practices. We are Core Working Group CWG in the Nutritional thematic area. Contact us email: wufasagronet@gmail.com
Food Security
SECURITY PATHWAYS IN RELATION TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY OF A NATION.

Good governance is predicated on ensuring the actualisation of the various security architecture of a Nation. The political barometer is also monitored through the efficiency of the security pathways which are :
INTERNAL SECURITY, INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION. , FOOD SECURITY, HEALTH ,EDUCATION, ELECTRICITY, TRANSPORTATION AND INDUSTRIAL GROWTH.
.
All the above are the essential security systems that can produce and provide QUALITY POPULATION through good and quality SUPERVISION
✅NATIONAL Security of life and properties is the (numero uno) number one responsibility of the Head of government be it President, Head of state and others. The mandate to secure life and property is paramount , they control and command the apparatus of security such as adequate Policing, effective Armed forces- Army for protection against external or internal aggression. Customs / Immigration for vigilant boarders patrol to prevent smuggling and immigration control amongst many others . Equipping them with weapons, Aircrafts, Vehicles, Boats etc.
For effective surveillance. In tackling the menace of bandits and kidnappers who have taken over the forest prohibiting farming activities . Armed Forest Guards / Rangers should be introduced.
INFORMATION/COMMUNICATION.
The entire world is in information age.
The constitution clearly stipulate that every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, freedom to hold opinions and to receive as well as to impact ideas and information.
However, it is the opinion of this writer that freedom be guided with secured intent to prevent abuse that may result in conflicts and war through hateful and unguided utterances.
The most acceptable form of communication is such that promote humane, responsible and patriotic reportage upholding the concept of discipline and promoting values nationally and internationally.
A lot of opportunity mostly untapped abound for investment in Information and communication like Print, Electronic and ICT media.
For industrial growth, information through advertisement, publication and social media is vital for public awareness.
FOOD SECURITY
Whether one eat to live or live to eat is a matter of semantics the bottom – line is Food is the main sustainace of bodies and souls. The importance of food cannot be over emphasised . knowing this fact of life has made the developed world to appropriately plan for provision of quality food for their citizens. Provision of food is prioritize in their national agenda. It is on this note that the United Nation’s clarion call to others in the world to emulate the culture of Sustainable Food Security ensuring the Tripple A(s). of AVAILABILITY, ACCEPTABLITY and AFFORDABILITY. ( UN 2030 food security agenda) of good quality food for the underdeveloped countries who are import dependent on basic food items such as Rice, Sugar, Dairy , Beverages etc .
Presently, Nigeria is revolutionising agrioprenuerial activities, it’s hoped that the present policies on agriculture will not be Summersaulted. The Maputo declaration on allocation of minimum 10% of the country’s annual budget must go to agriculture. Food must be made a constitutional right for all. The authority must take time to support Micro and Small scale Agroprenuerails activities to adapt to climate change. Agroprenuerail activities is the surest way to lift hundreds of millions out of hunger, poverty, conflict and deaspiration.
HEALTH CARE
Health is wealth – Primary Health care delivery must be taken to the grassroot levels, while Rural Health care moblisation be made available and effective all must be well equipped with vaccines, drugs, consumables and other biologicals.
— Ensure maintenance of standard by private sector through effective monitoring.
— Tapping into Herbs Processing , local medical herbs be Researched into by National Institute of Pharmaceutical RnD. In Collaboration with Fed Mins. of Science and Technology.
— Integration of alternative medicine into health care.
— Health insurance scheme must be intensified on .
— Stemming of illegal importation of smuggled fake drugs and illegal drug manufacturing in the country.
EDUCATION
A Society, Community and Nation is as good as the percentage of her literary population. The various levels of education are Primary , Secondary and teriary education 6-3-3-4 .Education must attract appropriate budget at all time. Education is being administered by Public and Private participation at all levels. The special education must receive attention by provision of special equipment such as braille machine, audiometer etc.
ELECTRICITY
To the chagrin of the unsuspecting consumers and Contrary to claim of the generation companies that generation capacity has improved to 7000 MW , the actual has been fluctuating between 2500 -3500 MW.(April 2019)
The idea of mono grid must be jettison while the legislation be relaxed to accommodate Private participations in generation. While effort must be intensified on the Green Bond of #10.97bn raise in December 2018. for financing of SOLAR energy.
Industrial development is unachievable without steady supply of electricity. A green belt of
Industrial Parks on Green energy is recommended in all the States of federation.this will sustain industrial activities that will promote growth.
TRANSPORTATION
This sector is an indispensable catalyst for stimulating economic, social, political and strategic/defence development of a Nation. All the National Development plans must accord the transport sector very high priority. In the formulation of National Transport policy, there must be defined objectives such as economic efficiency and coordinated development plan.
All forms of transportation system are embraced in Nigeria. Motor ,Railway transportation, inland waterways, aviation terminal and handling facilities seaports, airports and riverports including other ancillary facilities.
The administration of Transportation is vested in both Fed. Ministry of Works and Housing (Fed. Highways – Interstate roads Construction and maintenance) and State Ministry of Works/Transport (interstate roads while LG is responsible for Urban and Rural roads Construction and maintenance.
Aviation Ministry for Civil Aviation, Airports Development Management and Metrological services.
Internationally, the railway system is more affordable and relatively saver the frequency in Nigeria must be upgraded not scanty show up as is now the case.
INDUSTRIAL GROWTH
The economic growth rate ( 2019) is 2.1% ,this development is not unconnected with the dismal performances of the various indices above. eg the manufacturing growth rate is presently less than 7% although the Fedreral government set a 10.6% goal in 2017.which was to be driven by SME. Productivity is the only stimulant for Industrial growth. Farming output is barely about 22% mostly subsistence. .about 55% of work force is absorbed by agriculture. The major farming communities in North East, Middle belt downwards to the southern section are being sacked either Boko Haram terrorist or Pasteuralist /Farmers conflicts and banditry.
The various activities as enumerated in this writeup are all depended on Food security system. FOOD SECURITY MUST BE IN THE FRONT BURNER TO ACHIEVE SUCCESS. IN OTHER SEGMENTS.
CONCLUSION
— FOOD Security issues must be in the front burner of government’s agenda. Since it encompasses all other activities.
— The effectiveness of other parasatal must be ensured through adequate supervision.
— TO PREVENT IMMINENT DANGER OF FAMINE. Forest Guards (armed) must be appropriately deployed to secure the large expanse of the forest for Farming activities.
— Indigenous Reserch and Development on local Technology be improved on.
— Electricity generation from Green Energy source should be encouraged in the Industrial parks.
— Food Security system must be made a CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT for all the citizenry.
At WUFAS AGR0Net, we are Competent and Reliable Food Processing Technologists ,into Human Capital Development Consultancy. Centering on ETHICS of Food Processing Technology. Training on industrial food processing (General Manufacturing Principles ) to the teeming youthful population, startups and other Food handlers. We are seeking Collaboration and Strategic partnership with corporate bodies, NGOs and others
Interested in Food Security.
Contact: 08157784430, 08034064270.
Emails wufasagronet @gmail.com
Food Security
BIO-ETHANOL DISTILLATION PROCESS.(using molasses)

✅—– by (WUFAS AGR0Net fmr. Factory Mgr.Nig. Yeast & Alcohol Manu.co.Ltd. (NIYAMCO).
Ethanol Distillation plant Bacita kw.state )
ALCOHOLS .
Portable Ethanol production using molasses is a product of (anaerobic ) fermentation , the process brings about multiplicity of products such as Methanol, Ethanol(C6H5OH ), Butanol, Penthanol and other higher Alcohols. Distillation is a process of specificity each of the Alcohols have their flash or boiling points at which they’re separated in the distillation column.
MOLASSES PREPARATION .
Molasses is a very viscose syrup a waste product of crystalline sugar from sugar manufacturing plant. It consist of about 80% sucrose and other metallic ions eg ferrous, calcium, magnesium, Mercury etc. with caramelised sugars.
At the plant the viscose molasses is charged into a large mixing vat with enough water to bring down the viscosity to the desired ( brix) or density usually from about 40deg.brix to 14deg brix. Then heat is applied to about 80 deg.cent. while agitation continues. the solution is treated with sulphuric acid (H2SO4) and Urea an ammonium salt. While the acid form the sulphate salt of the metallic ions and precipitate the ammonia serves as nutrients for the yeast during fermentation. At the desired density the solution is transferred into the fermenter through plate heat exchanger that cools the molasses solution to ambient temperature. While simultaneously the solution is pitched with yeast from the cold yeast vat.
CASSAVA is another potent source of Ethanol fermentation by degradation of the polysaccharide into simple sugars. — Comprehensive details in our journal.
FERMENTATION
The fermenter is of stainless steel and double jacketed. (For temperature control ). Fermentation is left for about 8-10hr till the density comes down to ( 6 + or -2 )
The yeast is then purged via the centrifuge back to the cold storage awaiting the next operation. While the fermented wort goes to the wort Buffer Stock tank ready for distillation.
YEAST .
The Yeast is propagated by BUDDING process. While the yeast room is kept clean at very low temperature.
QUALITY CONTROL
The quantity of alochol in the fermented wort can be determined prior to distillation in the laboratory as would be explained the journals.
DISTILLATION
Distillation is the separation of components of a solution based on their volatilities. (Dalton’s law)
The material for distillation is charged into the batch or continuous column equipped with the followings :
— Overhead vapour line.
— A condenser
— A condensate receiver
— Gravity separators
— Steam is admitted through perforated pipe at the bottom.
The performance of the plate column is based on Material balance, Energy balance and Phase equilibrium .
Hence Total Material .Balance is represented by the equation
F=D+B
F— Feed
D— separated vapour
B—-Bottom product.
Factors influencing plate efficiency for satisfactory separation are:
— Adequate operation of the plate.
— Adequate and intimate contact between vapour and liquid is very essential.
–Avoid excessive foaming or entrainment.
— Avoid poor vapour distribution.
— Avoid short circuiting or weeping.
— Avoid liquid dumping.
All these lower plate efficiency. Plate efficiency is a function of Mass transfer between liquid and vapour.
At 80deg.cent boiling point of Ethanol it will separate out and the condensate cooled and sent to the stock tank given Potable Ethanol of about 97%. While the higher Alcohols Methanol, Butanol, Penthanol etc are received in another stock tank these combination is called Industrial Alcohols. Used as solvent industrially.
The above is a brief elucidation of the distillation process which is frothy with illustrative linearity equations. For further interest contact us for full details.
At WUFAS AGRONET, WE ARE COMPETENT AND RELIABLE FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGISTS INTO HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT CONSULTANCY IN FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY PROMOTING GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS AND INTERNATIONAL BEST PRACTICES IN FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY .WE SEEK COLLABORATION AND STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP WITH NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL STAKE HOLDERS IN FOOD SECURITY SUCH AS WORLD BANK, USAID, NGOS. IN training the teeming youthful population in productive ventures of Food Processing Technology.
Contact : 08034064270, 08157784430.
Email, wufasagronet@gmail.com
Food Security
FOOD SECURITY AND IT’S ATTENDANT GLOBAL CRISIS – WORLD BANK GROUP REPORT.

✅ The World bank had given analytical database information on Food Insecurity.
✅Food Insecurity cannot be localized to the leadership of any country.
….. @WufasAgronet, we are competent and reliable Food Technologists into Human Capital and Value Chain Development Consultancy.
The latest Food Security Update is now available here: http://wrld.bg/NZ9C50UsKBg
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Highlights:
➡Domestic food price inflation remains high in many low- and middle-income countries. Inflation higher than 5% is experienced in 68.8% of low-income countries, 46.7% of lower-middle-income countries, 33% of upper-middle-income countries, and 10.9% of high-income countries.
➡ Since the last Update on November 15, the agricultural, export, and cereal price indices closed 12, 25, and 1 percent higher, respectively. A sharp increase in cocoa and coffee prices drove the increase in the export price index.
➡In the Market Monitor for December 2024, the Agriculture Market Information System notes that global wheat, maize, rice, and soybean prices are lower than in 2023. This reflects a relatively stable global market for the current marketing season, although uncertainties linger.
➡In the November 2024 edition of its biannual Food Outlook, FAO indicates that global food production is experiencing diverse trends across commodities. Declines are projected for wheat, maize, and sugar, whereas outputs of dairy, fisheries, meats, oilseeds, and rice are expected to grow.
➡According to the WFP’s 2025 Global Outlook, an estimated 343 million people are acutely food insecure across 74 countries where WFP operates—10% more than in 2023.The latest Food Security Update is now available here: http://wrld.bg/NZ9C50UsKBg
Highlights:
➡Domestic food price inflation remains high in many low- and middle-income countries. Inflation higher than 5% is experienced in 68.8% of low-income countries, 46.7% of lower-middle-income countries, 33% of upper-middle-income countries, and 10.9% of high-income countries.
➡ Since the last Update on November 15, the agricultural, export, and cereal price indices closed 12, 25, and 1 percent higher, respectively. A sharp increase in cocoa and coffee prices drove the increase in the export price index.
➡In the Market Monitor for December 2024, the Agriculture Market Information System notes that global wheat, maize, rice, and soybean prices are lower than in 2023. This reflects a relatively stable global market for the current marketing season, although uncertainties linger.
➡In the November 2024 edition of its biannual Food Outlook, FAO indicates that global food production is experiencing diverse trends across commodities. Declines are projected for wheat, maize, and sugar, whereas outputs of dairy, fisheries, meats, oilseeds, and rice are expected to grow.
➡According to the WFP’s 2025 Global Outlook, an estimated 343 million people are acutely food insecure across 74 countries where WFP operates—10% more than in 2023.
AT WUFASAGRONET, We aren’t the author of the above we are only making the report available to the grassroots.
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