Annual N3.5trn post-harvest loss swallows five-year agric budget
Nigeria’s annual post-harvest loss of N3.5 trillion exceeds its five-year federal agricultural budget of N1.13 trillion, raising concerns about the government’s food security policies. The Ministry of Agriculture reports that post-harvest losses range from 5-60% for various produce. Experts like AfricanFarmer Mogaji emphasize the need for critical infrastructure to reduce these losses, which could boost food supply without increasing production. Nigeria faces a growing food deficit due to outdated farming techniques and inadequate infrastructure. Addressing post-harvest losses is crucial to mitigating the food crisis and reducing rising food prices amidst a rapidly growing population.
Source: BusinessDay
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Nigeria’s staggering annual post-harvest losses of N3.5 trillion highlight a critical gap in the agricultural value chain, surpassing the nation’s five-year federal agricultural budget of N1.13 trillion. This inefficiency in managing harvested produce, with losses ranging from 5-60% depending on the crop, reveals significant systemic issues.
The impact of these losses extends across the entire value chain, affecting farmers’ profitability, increasing production costs, and contributing to higher food prices. This situation underscores a need for urgent intervention, particularly in infrastructure development. Essential elements such as improved storage facilities, better transportation networks, and advanced preservation technologies are crucial in mitigating these losses. The absence of such infrastructure not only exacerbates food waste but also hampers the overall efficiency and profitability of Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
Addressing post-harvest losses through targeted government policies and investment in infrastructure could significantly boost food supply, stabilize prices, and enhance food security. This approach would also align with broader goals of economic growth and agricultural sustainability, especially as Nigeria’s population continues to expand.
