Nigeria: Potato puree to reduce wheat bread cost by 20% and sugar by 5%

Researchers in Nigeria have proposed the inclusion of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP) puree in bread and other baked goods to reduce the country's reliance on wheat imports. This move could significantly cut the annual importation cost of wheat and preserve foreign reserves. Compared to wheat, OFSP is more affordable, with a kilogramme costing N180, versus wheat's N280. Furthermore, the production of OFSP does not require special enzymes and can be ready for harvest in three to four months.

The researchers, in partnership with Sano Foods, have discovered that OFSP puree can be used to produce bread and other bakery items, with economic and environmental benefits. These benefits include a reduction in production costs, higher profitability, and job creation for farmers. Additionally, the use of OFSP puree in baked goods can help address Vitamin-A Deficiency (VAD) due to its high nutritional value. The research shows that bread made with 20% OFSP inclusion is sensory acceptable and can save foreign exchange by 20% through the reduction of wheat imports.