Reduction in Post-Harvest Losses Key to Food Security – FG

• The Federal Government aims to reduce post-harvest losses from 45% to 20% through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones initiative
• Minister Abubakar Kyari emphasized that the SAPZ program will enhance agricultural productivity and create around 500,000 jobs across Nigeria

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring food security by reducing post-harvest losses through the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made this pledge during the SAPZ High-Level Implementation Acceleration Workshop in Abuja on Monday.

The SAPZ initiative aims to boost agricultural productivity by integrating farming, processing, and marketing to enhance value addition, reduce food losses, and ensure food security.

Kyari emphasized the government’s goal to reduce post-harvest losses from 45% to 20%, noting that this reduction is critical for food security and improving farmers’ livelihoods.

The SAPZ programme will focus on key crops like cassava, rice, maize, and cocoa in seven states and the Federal Capital Territory. The initiative is expected to create around 500,000 direct and indirect jobs while contributing to the nation’s food supply.

“The objective of this two-day workshop is to discuss existing challenges and develop an accelerated implementation plan to achieve Mr. President’s food security agenda,” Kyari said.

Finance Minister Wale Edun added that achieving food production goals is essential for economic stability, as it will impact inflation, interest rates, and trade balance. He highlighted the importance of collaboration between federal and state governments and private sector partners for the programme’s success.

African Development Bank Country Director Abdul Kamara also stressed the potential of the SAPZ programme to transform rural economies by reducing post-harvest losses from 50% to 10-20%. Kamara encouraged stakeholders to work together to address challenges hindering the programme’s implementation.

Dede Ekoue, Country Director of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), praised the SAPZ initiative’s leadership and highlighted ongoing efforts in Kano State to support rice and tomato farmers through a pilot project.

Ekoue outlined key actions to strengthen coordination and technical capacity for the programme’s success.