TOMATO FARMERS CALL FOR FG INTERVENTION TO CURB POST-HARVEST LOSSES

Tomato farmers across Nigeria have called on the Federal Government to intervene and help curb the alarming rate of post-harvest losses in the tomato industry. The farmers, who gathered at a recent stakeholders' meeting, lamented that the lack of adequate storage facilities, poor transportation networks, and inadequate market access are major contributors to the high rate of post-harvest losses.

According to the farmers, Nigeria produces over 1.5 million metric tons of tomatoes annually, but over 40% of this production is lost due to post-harvest handling and storage challenges. This not only results in significant economic losses for the farmers but also affects the country's food security and economy.

The farmers appealed to the Federal Government to provide support for the development of modern storage facilities, improve rural roads and transportation networks, and provide access to markets for their produce. They also called for the establishment of a tomato processing industry to absorb the excess production and reduce post-harvest losses.

The Chairman of the Tomato Growers Association of Nigeria, Mr. Emmanuel Ijadeniye, stated that the association has been advocating for government intervention to address the challenges facing tomato farmers in the country. He emphasized that the government's support is crucial to reducing post-harvest losses and improving the livelihoods of tomato farmers.

In response to the farmers' appeal, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has promised to provide support for the development of the tomato industry. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Mohammad Mahmood Abubakar, stated that the ministry is committed to addressing the challenges facing tomato farmers and will work with stakeholders to develop a comprehensive plan to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the productivity of tomato farmers.

The ministry has also announced plans to establish a tomato processing industry in the country, which will provide a ready market for tomato farmers and help reduce post-harvest losses. The industry is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in rural areas.

In addition to government intervention, experts have also called for private sector investment in the tomato industry. They argue that private sector investment is crucial to developing modern storage facilities, improving rural roads and transportation networks, and establishing a tomato processing industry.

The Nigerian government has also been urged to provide incentives for tomato farmers, such as subsidies on inputs, credit facilities, and insurance schemes, to help them improve their productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

As the government and stakeholders work to address the challenges facing tomato farmers, there is hope that the industry will experience significant growth and development in the coming years. The reduction of post-harvest losses will not only improve the livelihoods of tomato farmers but also contribute to the country's food security and economic growth.

The tomato industry is a significant contributor to Nigeria's economy, providing employment and income for millions of people. However, the industry faces numerous challenges, including post-harvest losses, which hinder its growth and development.

The call for government intervention to curb post-harvest losses in the tomato industry is a step in the right direction. The government's support is crucial to addressing the challenges facing tomato farmers and improving the productivity and competitiveness of the industry.

As the government and stakeholders work to address the challenges facing the tomato industry, there is hope that the industry will experience significant growth and development in the coming years. The reduction of post-harvest losses will not only improve the livelihoods of tomato farmers but also contribute to the country's food security and economic growth.

The tomato industry has the potential to become a major driver of economic growth and development in Nigeria. However, this potential can only be realized if the challenges facing the industry are addressed. The government's intervention to curb post-harvest losses is a crucial step towards realizing this potential.

As the government and stakeholders continue to work to address the challenges facing the tomato industry, there is hope that the industry will experience significant growth and development in the coming years. The reduction of post-harvest losses will not only improve the livelihoods of tomato farmers but also contribute to the country's food security and economic growth.

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