The Federal Government yesterday estimated that the Agricultural sector loses about N3.5 trillion annually to post-harvest challenges.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Shehuri, disclosed this at the presentation of the International Standard Organisation (ISO) Certification for Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI), in Abuja.
Shehuri, who was represented by the Director, Lands and Climate Change Management Services in the Ministry, Shehu Bello, said post-harvest losses had a negative effect on Agricultural component Domestic Product (GDP).
“Post-harvest losses are a worrisome situation that threatens the Food Security.
“In fruits and vegetables, it could be as high as 50-60 per cent if poorly managed, unfortunately not much attention is paid to address this problem as much as it is done for production.
“The economic cost of post-harvest losses as reported by our partner, Action Aid, indicated that N3.5 trillion is lost annually due to post-harvest losses.
“This has a negative effect on the Agricultural component Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) is set to address the challenge through the acquisition of enabling infrastructure, tools, equipment and commitment of the Research staff. (NAN)
In fruits and vegetables, it could be as high as 50-60 per cent if poorly managed, unfortunately not much attention is paid to address this problem as much as it is done for production.
