The Federal Government on Thursday put the economic cost of post-harvest losses at N3.5 trillion annually in the Agricultural sector.
The Minister of State for Agriculture and Rural Development, Mustapha Shehuri, made this known at the presentation of the International Standard Organisation (ISO) Certification for Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute in Abuja.
Mr Shehuri, who was represented by Shehu Bello, the Director, Lands and Climate Change Management Services in the ministry, said that post harvest losses had a negative effect on Agricultural component Domestic Product (GDP).
”Post-harvest losses is 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 Agricultural component Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
”The Nigerian Stored Products Research Institute (NSPRI) is set to address the challenge through acquisition of enabling infrastructure, tools, equipment and commitment of the Research staff.
Mr Shehuri said the Laboratory of NSPRI accredited was a testimony to hard work and the determination of the Institute to be among the best Research Institutes in the Sub-Saharan…
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