Cereals; fonio (Digitaria spp.)

HS code 100840 covers the trade and production of fonio, a type of cereal grain that is a staple food in parts of West Africa. Fonio is an ancient grain that has been cultivated for thousands of years and is known for its nutritional value, drought-resistance, and ability to grow in poor soil conditions. As a result, fonio plays an important role in the agricultural economies of several developing countries, providing food security and income for smallholder farmers.

Fonio is typically grown using traditional, labor-intensive farming methods. The grain is sown by hand and harvested manually, often with the use of simple tools like hoes and sickles. After harvesting, the fonio grains must be threshed, winnowed, and dehulled to remove the inedible outer layers. This process is frequently done using basic equipment like wooden pestles and mortars. The cleaned fonio grains are then ready for further processing, cooking, and consumption.

The primary inputs for fonio production are the fonio seeds themselves, as well as basic agricultural tools and equipment. Fonio is well-suited to grow in arid, nutrient-poor soils, so the land requirements are relatively low compared to other cereal crops. Labor is a significant input, as much of the production process is done manually. Water requirements for fonio are also quite modest, making it a resilient crop in the face of drought and climate change.

The main output of HS code 100840 is the fonio grain itself, which can be consumed directly as a staple food or used as an ingredient in various dishes and products. Fonio flour is also produced and can be used for baking or as a thickening agent. The byproducts of fonio processing, such as the hulls and chaff, may also have secondary uses, such as animal feed or biofuel production. Fonio is often traded and consumed within the local and regional markets of West Africa, but is also gaining popularity as a specialty health food in international markets 190410 Cereal foods, swollen or roasted, 110290 Cereal flours other than of wheat or meslin.