The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has said Nigeria currently loses 45 per cent of its 3.9 million tonnes tomato harvest to post-harvest waste and supply chain inefficiencies annually.
He also highlighted the challenge posed by the country’s heavy reliance on tomato paste imports, noting that despite Nigeria’s abundant production, it remains the world’s largest importer of the product.
Speaking at the unveiling of GB Hub Africa on Monday in Abuja and represented by the ministry’s Director, Ibrahim Alkali, Kyari lamented the inefficiencies plaguing Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain, which he said were responsible for the massive losses.
He added that systemic challenges, including inadequate processing infrastructure, weak linkages between farmers and processors, and outdated farming practices, continue to hamper the sector’s growth.
The alarming disclosure comes amidst recent worries by tomato farmers over the recent infestation of their crops by the Tuta Absoluta virus, which is currently affecting the price of tomatoes in markets across the country.
Tuta Absoluta, also known as the Tomato Leaf Mine, is a notorious pest of tomato crops in Europe, Africa, Western Asia, and parts of the Americas. If not properly controlled, its larvae can cause up to 100 per cent crop loss.
Kyari said, “Let us first acknowledge the paradox that defines Nigeria’s agricultural landscape. Despite being the largest producer of tomatoes in Africa, Nigeria remains the world’s largest importer of tomato paste.
“Each year, we produce approximately 3.997 million tonnes of tomatoes, yet 45 per cent, equivalent to around 1.8 million tonnes, goes to waste due to inefficiencies in our agricultural supply chains. This waste represents not only lost food but lost livelihoods, economic potential, and nutritional access for our citizens.
“Our reliance on imports stems from multiple systemic challenges, including inadequate processing infrastructure, poor linkages between farmers and processors, and outdated farming practices. The failure to connect our vibrant farmers to the processing companies that can monetise their produce exacerbates this issue.
“Furthermore, significant post-harvest losses and the underutilisation of existing resources hinder our farmers’ capacities to thrive.”
He praised GBFoods for making significant strides by establishing a large tomato processing factory in Kebbi State, with a processing capacity of around 25,000 tons annually.
The factory, he noted, not only helps reduce post-harvest wastage but also creates job opportunities and stimulates local economic growth.
“One of the most significant challenges is the lack of processing facilities that could convert excess tomatoes into high-demand products like pastes and sauces. GBFoods has already made significant strides by establishing a large tomato processing factory in Kebbi State, with a processing capacity of around 25,000 tons annually. This factory not only addresses the issue of wastage but also creates job opportunities and promotes local economies.
“Our dependence on imports stems from multiple structural bottlenecks,” he said.
“Until we strengthen our agricultural value chains and invest in modern processing facilities, these losses will continue to cripple our food security and economic diversification efforts.
“This platform will foster innovation by empowering entrepreneurs who can bring forward solutions to our pressing food security issues and enhance nutritional access across Nigeria and beyond,” he said.
Punch
