To solve farmers’ post-harvest losses, the federal government has promised to offer all the assistance required to launch contemporary innovation.

This was revealed on Monday by the Minister of State for Industry and Investment, John Enoh, at the opening of a state-of-the-art onion storage facility in Kano State.

The plant, which was built by Prism Foods Ltd., Dawakin and is situated in Gadar Tamburawa in the state’s Kudu Local Government Area, is worth over N10 billion. Its goal is to address the urgent problem of post-harvest losses that the area’s onion farmers experience. The facility was the first of its sort in Africa, according to Mr. Enoh, who was thrilled with it.

He commended Prism Foods Ltd for investing heavily in a solution to post-harvest losses, saying it would enhance food security and encourage entrepreneurship while boosting the nation’s economy.

According to him, facilities like this will provide a reliable storage solution for onions and other perishable commodities, paving the way for more job opportunities and improving food security.

”This facility will play a vital role in effective service delivery and supporting the nation’s agricultural development.

“This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to curb post-harvest losses, potentially increasing farmers’ income and creating more job opportunities for youths,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by the state commissioner for commerce, Shehu Sagagi, commended Prism Foods Ltd for the investment in Kano.

Mr Yusuf noted that the state government was committed to providing all the needed support to enhance agricultural produce.

The chief executive officer (CEO) of Prism Foods Ltd., Aman Gupta, said the massive post-harvest losses faced by onion farmers prompted the facility’s establishment.

He said the facility could store 10,000 tonnes of onions at a time.

Aliyu Maitasamu, chairman of the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, said the facility will dramatically minimise post-harvest losses of onions and other perishable commodities.

Mr Maitasamu said that the association generated two million metric tonnes of onions, assuring a consistent supply of raw materials for the facility.

He complimented the federal government and the state of Kano for their assistance in bringing the project to fruition.

Source: AgroNigeria

Credit Image: Punch