Key Points
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Government targets N3.5 trillion post-harvest losses through systems programme.
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Initiative will modernize storage, transport and food value chains nationwide.
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Reducing losses is critical for Nigeria’s food security strategy.
The federal government of Nigeria has started a new program to deal with one of the country’s biggest agricultural problems: post-harvest losses that cost the economy an estimated N3.5 trillion every year. The Systems Green Programme is what officials are calling the initiative. It will focus on fixing problems in the food supply chain, such as storage, logistics, and getting to the market.
The program comes at a time when people are worried about hunger and malnutrition because food prices are going up and people are feeling unsafe. Experts say that the size of the losses, which are equal to almost 40% of the country’s annual agricultural output, hurts both farmers’ incomes and the country’s food security.
The government wants to cut post-harvest losses by N3.5 trillion
The Systems Green Programme aims to connect modern storage technologies, transportation infrastructure, and market links to help farmers reduce waste and increase profits. Officials said the program would start with perishable crops like tomatoes, yams, and fruits, which are some of the most wasted goods.
The plan, according to Agriculture Minister Abubakar Kyari, would get both public and private sector investment to work together to make value chains stronger. He said at the launch event, “Every naira saved from waste means more food on the table and stronger rural livelihoods.”
Systems program to make food value chains stronger
The government hopes that the program will create jobs and make food more available by encouraging people to invest in cold storage facilities, processing plants, and rural road networks. Nigeria wants to cut down on post-harvest losses by a lot and make its farmers more competitive in regional and international markets by building out these systems.
Experts think that the program could also create new chances for agribusinesses, especially in processing and exporting food. As demand for African agricultural goods grows around the world, Nigeria’s ability to preserve and deliver higher-quality goods could make it a major supplier across the continent.
Dealing with losses is an important part of the food security strategy
According to a report by Vanguard news, the government is working to improve food security and reduce reliance on imports by cutting down on N3.5 trillion in post-harvest losses. Officials say that cutting down on waste is just as important as making more goods to fix shortages and keep prices stable.
However, farmers and traders say that success will depend on consistent implementation and monitoring. Many people are skeptical because past interventions have had trouble with bureaucratic delays and not enough money. The Systems Green Program has given people in Nigeria hope that they can finally start to stop the huge losses that have been hurting their food system for a long time.
