Agric minister: Poor storage, flooding cost Nigeria $10bn annually in post-harvest losses

Abubakar Kyari, minister of agriculture and food security, says poor storage and flooding cost Nigeria $10 billion annually in post-harvest losses.

Kyari spoke at the inauguration of the Green Legacy Rural Community Agriculture and Infrastructure Network (G.R.A.I.N) pulse centre in Kangire community, on Monday.

The minister said weak infrastructure, limited processing, climate change, soil degradation, and erratic rainfall also contribute to the loss.

According to Kyari, smallholder farmers produce 70 percent of the country’s food and empowering them will boost the economy.

He noted that agriculture contributes about 24 percent to Nigeria’s gross domestic product (GDP), with smallholder farmers leading the production of the nation’s food.

“By empowering smallholder farmers with modern tools, technology, and markets, we can unlock the full wealth of our land and people,” Kyari said.

The minister emphasised that private-sector-driven initiatives will strengthen Nigeria’s food systems and boost resilience against post-harvest losses.

He said the pulse centre will function as an integrated hub for agriculture, infrastructure, and rural development, covering the entire agricultural value chain.

Kyari reiterated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is prioritising agriculture as the core of the nation’s transformation, with practical actions backing its vision.

Also speaking, Yusuf Tuggar, the minister of foreign affairs, emphasised the strength of public-private partnerships in development, commending the establishment of such hubs in Jigawa’s agrarian communities.

“This microeconomy will benefit Nigeria because of its multiple advantages, particularly the integration of modern facilities and technologies,” Tuggar said.

Tuggar lauded Tinubu and Umar Namadi, Jigawa state governor, for prioritising food security within their development agenda.

Also speaking, Namadi lauded the pulse centre in Jigawa, saying it will boost Kangire’s economy and demonstrate the power of agriculture-led development in transforming rural communities.

He highlighted the centre’s key features, including a solar-powered system and digitally connected hubs that support the entire agricultural value chain.

The governor said that his administration will continue to prioritise agriculture to create jobs, expand infrastructure, and enhance livelihoods.

Muhammad Uba, chairman of the Birnin-Kudu local government area (LGA) where the centre is initiated, expressed support for Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda and commended Namadi’s efforts to modernise agriculture in Jigawa.