National President of Federation of Agricultural Commodity Association of Nigeria (FACAN), Dr. Victor Iyama, has appealed to the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mr. Sabo Nanono, to make every essential adjustment and decision to mitigate post-harvest losses.

Dr. Iyama said the losses were up to 45% and they are having a detrimental effect on the country’s agricultural growth, adding that the problem must be solved right away by tackling the challenges hindering the development of agriculture in the nation.

He said, “We must look into small scale processing and improving rural infrastructure. I am sure the Minister is going to look into the fact that when we produce almost 40 to 45% go to waste.

“We believe he is going to look into that so that we start being competitive because that is part of the problem. I am sure he is going to work a lot on our yields per hectare.”

Dr. Iyama further commended Nanono, while assuring that the minister would deliver and make an impact in the country’s agricultural sector.

“The minister is an experienced farmer and I believe that from everything I have seen so far about him, he is going to perform to better the lots of farmers and everybody along the value chain.

“Some people have expressed concern that he might not be able to stand the rigorous of the job due to age but I strongly believe that age is just a number. For me as long as you are healthy you can perform optimally. If you are not healthy even if you are 30 you will not be able to perform,” he added.

SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA