The Association of Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria (AMBCN) in Bauchi State, has advocated inclusion into the federal and state governments’ Medium and Small Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) intervention programmes, to enhance bread production.
Alhaji Adamu Muhammed, Chairman of the association in the state, said this in an interview with NAN on Sunday in Bauchi.
The association also urged the Bauchi state government to provide modern bakery equipment to enhance operations.
He said the measure was imperative to replace obsolete bakery equipment limiting production capacity and bread quality compared to global standards.
“We need government support to acquire modern equipment to enable us to produce quality bread like in other countries.
“Our current method is old-fashioned and slow, making it difficult to meet the growing demand for bread in the state,” he said.
According to Muhammed, members of the association collectively produce over one million loaves of bread weekly, which is a major staple food in the state.
Muhammed warned that a lack of improvement in the production equipment could result in shortages and public frustration.
Also, Usman Mohammed, proprietor of Haske Bread in Bauchi metropolis, urged the state government to recognise the bakery industry’s role as a major employer of labor.
He said that inclusion of bakers in the MSMEs intervention programmes would transform bakery business, create jobs and enhance wealth creation in the society.
“Most bakeries rely on outdated equipment and methods which could push them out of business and result in unemployment.
“Investment in modern bakery equipment will boost productivity, improve bread quality, enhance food security and stimulate economic growth,” he said.
While lamenting multiple taxation and regulatory burdens, Mohammed called for sound policies to encourage growth in the sector.