Food Security
THE “FLEXIBLE PACKAGING ” REVOLUTION IN FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGY

……@ WUFAS AGR0NET, We don’t know more than Food —-
The art and science of packaging is very vast and revolutionary all aimed at realizing market potentials to resist insect investation on food right from the farm up to the processing end, different packaging materials are used e.g Cellulose, polyethylene, Craft paper, laminated alum foil, Tetra-packaging etc.
The Flexible packaging revolution is around us. Ignoring it could mean ignoring a potential business opportunity. The advantages of flexible packaging over conventional forms of packaging range from basics like protecting products from the external environment to unusual advantages like creating markets where they didn’t ( supposedly ) exist.
With flexible packaging , a more cost efficient method of reproducing the protective properties of Tins, Cans and Jars has been found.
PACKAGING FUNCTIONS
In Food Processing, the causative agents of deterioration are notably Yeast, Mould, Fungi, Bacteria and Moisture, (Humidity & temperature ). In both the conventional and flexible packaging, the followings are the various functions :
— Ready handling.
— Mechanical strength to products against ( rough handling, shock impact, piercing etc)
— Packaging gives exert weight.
— Closing or Sealing tightness.
— Water vapour protection
— Protection against contamination.
— Oxygen and air barrier.
— Hinderance to odour intake.
— Flavour retention.
— Light occlusion.
— Stabilisation of preservative influence.
— Selling and advertising. amongst many others.
While performing all the above functions, flexible packaging retains the aesthetic power to attract consumers to various brands. Most importantly, making it cost effective.
This packaging revolution is creating best selling products in shop shelves. In sachets, refill packs, in instant noodles packs etc. Entering new markets and consolidating old ones. With total transformation of market place.
WHAT IS FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
Flexible pack is a laminate or a combination of layers of polymers, metal foil and paper. The layers are specifically chosen depending on the product to be packed and then bonded together using sophisticated adhesives. With this we can have laminate that can be designed to package everything from Foodstuffs to Cosmetics and surgical equipment protecting them from environment and physical harm.
However, it should be noted that each laminate is “Product Specific”. The laminate that’s ideal to make Chocolate wrapper would be quite unsuitable for a bar soap.
TEST FOR STRENGTH
No laminate should be considered for approval untill it survives stringent Shelf life testing under enforced tropical conditions ( 38°C and 90% Relative Humidity. )
STRENGTH
Withstanding physical assault on products. — How do packaging professionals ensure that a flexible pack’ content remains intact over a jolting journey of over 100 km on rough African roads ?
The answer lies in optimum combination of laminate design and package architecture. Looking at a milk or coffee refill packs, it’s built from a stout polymer -metal foil- polymer laminate. The architecture and the construction of the pack itself ensures that it has an optimal ratio of volume to surface area.. Too high and volume could mean excessive space for moisture bearing molecules that would turn the coffee to a brown cake. Too low a volume would mean constant tension on the seal and that could cause the pack to split open under pressure. Equally important to the refill pack’s construction is the skillful use of the adhesive and coatings that are responsible for the bond strength between the laminate layers. These are also responsible for the seal strengths that finally isolate the contents of the pack from the outside world.
ADVANTAGES OF FLEXIBLE PACKAGING
— Products will live longer.
— The market horizons can expand dramatically.
— Products will stand out on shop shelves.
— Boosting productivity.
CONVENIENCE — Imagine the convenience of a bachelor with an instant noodles packs complete with flavourings , rather than spending hours in the kitchen.
BRAND LOYALTY
One can imagine what a child feels while opening a wrapper of chocolate and find it fungi invested or a housewife open a bag of noodles and find it soggy inside. Chances are that they will buy other brands next time a brand with appropriate design to provide the right protection from physical and environmental harm for the required shelve life. — That is the power packaging has on brand loyalty.
LAMINATE Versus DEGRADING AGENTS.
To understand the life enhancing properties of flexible packs, consider the host of degrading elements a product must survive. Moisture, Oxygen and other atmospheric gases. They spell disaster for just about any food product. Be it coffee or soft drink concentrates. The right laminate (eg polymers reinforced by metal foil) can prevent their entry into Food packs and thus reduce products mortality.
AROMAS — There are two kinds, the one that escape from a pack as in the case of oil spices or even soaps and the unpleasant ones that enters a pack and are absorbed by the products as in the case with chocolate and tea. In both cases the right polymer layers couple with a careful selection of printing inks and adhesives will erect a barrier against products degradation.
SUNLIGHT — It’s lethal for products like edible oil. The ultra- violet rays in sunlight turns oil rancid in an incredibly short time. Here again laminate comes to the rescue ..
OTHER ADVANTAGES
The emerging markets — Entry of new products levels , there are now products on shop shelves that can’t exist without flexible packs eg precooked Food that has to be heated indoor in retort pack and serve. Similar is the case of instant soup – just dissolve in water, heat and serve. These are aimed at ever expanding market looking at convenient foods as an alternative to spending hours in the kitchen.
THE ECONOMY LEVEL
The sheer cost difference between flexible packs and other forms of packaging has had a tremendous impact on making a wide range of products available in different packaging sizes. Housewifes can choose exactly which size of Coffee or Milk refill packs they want rather than buying countless jars with this in mind, flexible packaging is advantage packing when it comes to expanding markets. — flexible packaging take your products where they ought to be – everywhere and to everyone.
THE ECONOMY OF THE SURFACE AREA.
Information they say is power. In addition to the gloss on the surface , flexible packs have a surface area that is larger than that available on most conventional jars and bottles. This means that a flexible pack can carry a host of product details, which can substantially play a part in convincing a consumer’s patronage.
CONSUMERS SECURITY — Intrestingly, the more complex a design is on a flexible pack, the more difficult it becomes for faking of the product by imitators.
PACKAGING INTERFACING THAT INCREASES PRODUCTION RATES.
With the right expertise, laminate is designed for specific packaging machinery without compromising it’s protective characteristics. This works at two levels, properly interfaced laminates runs faster on production lines . Further, the right selection of laminates will ensure minimisation of production stoppages and consequent bminimisation of down – time .
FLEXIBLE PACKAGING AND PROFITABILITY.
Perhaps the most interesting fact about flexible packaging is its ability to enter and open up new markets – and thus generate profits.
AESTHETICS OF PRODUCTS.
Visually, a design meant for a flexible pack can be brilliant on paper and superb in advertisements . through application of the latest printing and packaging Technology.
Many other attributes shall be discussed in the subsequent edition.
At WUFAS AGR0Net, We are Competent and Reliable Food Processing Technologists into Human Capital Development Consultancy in Food Processing Technology enhancing Global Competitiveness and International Best Practices for the teeming youthful population, unemployed graduates, propreneurs and other Food handlers through our Agroprenuerial Empowerment which will in turn activate the Nation’s productivity in Sustainable Food Security and Value Chain Development.
Our Contact 08034064270 , 08157784430. Fb page WUFAS AGRONET. 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
Uh
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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