Tomato farmers decry post-harvest loss
The National Tomato Growers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria (NATPAN) has appealed to the federal government for strategic support to mitigate the extensive post-harvest losses plaguing the tomato value chain. This call was made by Rabiu Zuntu, chairman of NATPAN, during a recent interview in Lagos with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Zuntu emphasized that smallholder farmers, who form the backbone of Nigeria’s tomato production, face significant financial barriers that prevent them from accessing the necessary tools and technologies to minimize losses. The chairman highlighted the critical role of improved transportation methods, such as adopting plastic crates, to enhance produce quality during transit and reduce spoilage.
The association is also actively engaging in partnerships with processing facilities and non-governmental organizations to promote innovative solutions like solar dryers and mechanized tomato processing. These measures aim to extend the shelf life of tomatoes, combat seasonal gluts, and ensure increased income for farmers.
Despite these efforts, Zuntu reiterated that government intervention remains indispensable. He urged for policy support and funding to facilitate widespread adoption of these technologies and strengthen the resilience of the tomato value chain.
Source- BluePrint
Expert Review for Stakeholders
Addressing Nigeria’s Tomato Post-Harvest Challenges: A Strategic Imperative
The persistent issue of post-harvest losses in Nigeria’s tomato sector demands urgent and coordinated efforts from all stakeholders. According to NATPAN, approximately 40% of tomatoes produced annually are lost due to poor handling, inadequate storage, and inefficient transportation systems. This not only undermines farmer incomes but also exacerbates food insecurity and inflates the cost of produce for consumers.
Key Insights for Stakeholders:
- Adoption of Plastic Crates: Transitioning from traditional woven baskets to plastic crates in tomato transportation is a low-cost yet highly effective solution. Stakeholders, including government bodies and agribusinesses, should consider subsidies or loan programs to facilitate widespread adoption.
- Processing Facilities and Mechanization: Scaling up local tomato processing capacities through public-private partnerships can significantly reduce seasonal gluts and wastage. Investments in drying technologies like solar dryers and mechanized processors can also create value-added products, expanding market opportunities for farmers.
- Cluster-Based Approaches: Forming farmer clusters is an excellent way to pool resources for shared investments in solar dryers and other equipment. This model can enhance bargaining power and lower costs for smallholders.
- Government Intervention: Federal and state governments must play a pivotal role in providing financial assistance, creating enabling policies, and supporting infrastructure development. This includes grants, soft loans, and capacity-building initiatives to ensure that even the most marginalized farmers can access transformative technologies.
- Private Sector and NGO Collaboration: The involvement of NGOs and private investors in introducing innovative technologies is commendable. However, sustainable impact requires these entities to collaborate with farmer associations and provide flexible financing solutions tailored to smallholder needs.
By leveraging these strategies, Nigeria can position its tomato value chain as a model of resilience and productivity, ensuring that farmers reap the full benefits of their labor while addressing the nation’s food security challenges. Stakeholders are encouraged to prioritize these interventions to drive sustainable growth in the sector.
