Fonio

cpc code 01193 refers to the agricultural production of fonio, a highly nutritious and drought-resistant cereal grain that has been a staple food in parts of West Africa for centuries. Fonio is considered a superfood due to its high protein, fiber, and mineral content, making it an important crop for food security and economic development in the region. As a hardy, low-input crop, fonio production plays a significant role in the agricultural economies of countries where it is grown.

Fonio is typically grown using traditional, labor-intensive methods. The crop is sown by hand, and the grains are harvested manually using small knives or sickles. After harvesting, the fonio is dried, threshed, and winnowed to remove the chaff. Some producers may also use small-scale mechanical threshers to improve efficiency. Processing the fonio into a consumable form often involves further steps such as dehulling, parboiling, and milling to produce fonio flour or semolina.

The primary inputs for fonio production are land, labor, and traditional farming tools and equipment. Fonio is well-adapted to marginal, nutrient-poor soils and can be grown with minimal fertilizer or irrigation, making it a suitable crop for smallholder farmers. However, access to improved seed varieties and basic processing equipment can help to increase yields and efficiency.

The primary output of the fonio industry is the fonio grain, which can be consumed directly or used as an ingredient in a variety of traditional West African dishes and products. The fonio grain may also be used as animal feed or as a raw material for 15811 Grain milling. Additionally, the straw and husks from fonio production can be used for animal bedding or as a source of biomass fuel.