Bühler Group’s Grain Processing Innovation Center trains 20 rice millers in Kano

NIGERIA – Twenty rice millers have successfully completed an intensive training on rice mill operations at the Grain Processing Innovation Center (GPIC) in Kano, Nigeria.

The program, part of the Rice Miller Business Training (RMBT) initiative, is a collaboration between GIZ-MOVE, Bühler Group Milling Solutions, and Partners in Food Solutions, aiming to enhance the efficiency and productivity of rice milling operations.

The training, led by Bühler Process Technologist Ekalavya Kumar, covered essential topics critical to modern rice milling. Participants gained in-depth knowledge on paddy characteristics, the parboiling process, Bühler’s advanced SORTEX technology, and equipment maintenance.

The program combined theoretical classroom sessions with hands-on practical training, allowing millers to apply their learnings directly to improve their milling processes.

This initiative is designed to equip rice millers with the technical skills required to optimize processing techniques, reduce losses, and improve the overall quality of milled rice.

By incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as Bühler’s SORTEX optical sorting systems, the training ensures that millers can achieve higher yields and better quality control in their operations.

According to Buhler, feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the practical benefits of the training in refining their milling techniques and improving operational efficiency.

The RMBT program is part of broader efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s rice value chain by fostering local expertise and promoting sustainable milling practices.

In recent years, Nigeria has made strides in improving its rice milling capacity, with the country’s rice production seeing considerable growth.

The government’s various initiatives, including the Anchor Borrowers’ Program (ABP), have facilitated greater investment in paddy production, further driving efforts to make Nigeria self-sufficient in rice.

With other projects, such as the Imota Rice Mill in Lagos State, also expanding the country’s milling capacity, Nigeria is poised to reduce its reliance on imported rice and move closer to achieving its production targets.

Despite this progress, Nigeria remains a net importer of rice. In 2023, the country imported about 2.3 million metric tonnes of rice, a 10% increase from the previous year, making it one of the world’s largest rice importers.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Nigeria produced over 5.3 million tonnes of milled rice in the 2023/2024 cycle, while its domestic needs were estimated at 7.5 million tonnes, leaving a significant production gap filled by imports.

Bühler Group’s commitment to capacity-building initiatives like this aligns with Nigeria’s goal of achieving self-sufficiency in rice production. By investing in skills development and technological advancements, the company continues to play a key role in supporting the growth of the country’s agricultural and milling sectors.

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