Nigerian Government, Stakeholders Collaborate To Reduce Post Harvest Losses

The Federal government of Nigeria says it is committed to supporting farmers and stakeholders in agro allied sector to reduce post harvest losses so as to make agricultural activities more profitable.

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr James Sule, made this known in Awka at a two day capacity development training on technologies for the reduction of post harvest losses in agricultural produce.

While describing the training as apt, he lamented estimated loss of about $8.9billion annually due to post harvest losses, negative impact on food security, farmers livelihood and nation’s economy at large.

The Permanent Secretary who was represented by the Director, Bioresources Technology Department, Engr Issac Anum, underscored the need to leverage science technology and innovation tools to improve productivity and control post harvest losses.

“The fulcrum is now on the National development agenda which is hinged on the utilization of science, technology and innovation. This workshop provides a unique opportunity for all stakeholders to share their experiences, challenges and best practices on how to reduce post harvest losses” .

“Additionally, farmers need to be trained on best practices in harvesting, handling and storage of their produce. We cannot afford to lose so much of our agricultural produce when solutions are readily available” .

In a Goodwill Message, the State Commissioner For Agriculture, Dr Forster Ihejiofor, said the event would open a new vista for contributions to real problem solving business geared towards long run reduction of prices of food items.

While stating that post harvest losses posed a great challenge to profitability in agro allied businesses, thus making farming unattractive, he called for urgent intervention by all stakeholders to address the situation.

“The truth is that there are real opportunities that can be harnessed to reduce post harvest losses. If we curb post harvest losses which hit most seriously those who are into crops, fruits and vegetables, it means that prices of food will come down by 50percent” .

Presenting his address, Commissioner For Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Barr Tony Ifeanya, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Edwin Ejike, said the event was staged to bring together key stakeholders, agricultural practitioners, researchers and technology experts to harness the potential of technology in mitigating post harvest losses.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Director, Bioresources Technology Department, Federal Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, Engr Issac Anum, represented by Mrs Francisca Koji, affirmed readiness of government to provide technical support to local government areas and other organizations interested in reducing post harvest losses in the agricultural sector.

The event which was also attended by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Samuel Ike Esq, featured lectures on “Processing Technologies for Reduction of Post Harvest Losses in Nigeria “by Prof Joseph Adams, Department of Agriculture and Bioresources Engineering, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State.