Minister of agriculture and food security, Abubakar Kyari, says Nigeria loses $10 billion annually to post-harvest losses.
Mr Kyari disclosed this on Monday during the inauguration of the Green Legacy Rural Community Agriculture and Infrastructure Network (G.R.A.I.N) Pulse Centre initiative at Kangire community, Birnin-Kudu LGA, Jigawa.
He said the losses were due to poor storage, weak infrastructure, limited processing, climate change, flooding, soil degradation, and increasingly erratic rainfall across the country.
According to him, agriculture contributes about 24 per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, with smallholder farmers producing around 70 per cent 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,” the minister stated.
Mr Kyari reaffirmed the President Bola Tinubu administration’s commitment to prioritising agriculture as the core of the nation’s transformation, stressing that its vision has been translated into practical action.
He described private-sector-driven initiatives as vital in strengthening Nigeria’s food systems and boosting resilience against post-harvest losses.
The minister said the pulse centre would function as an integrated hub for agriculture, infrastructure, and rural development, covering the entire agricultural value chain.
He added that the hub, equipped with modern facilities, would provide a safe environment for exports and would be replicated across communities nationwide.
Also, minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, 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,” Mr Tuggar said.
He praised Mr Tinubu and Jigawa Governor, Umar Namadi, for prioritising food security within their development agenda.
Mr Namadi expressed delight at Jigawa hosting the country’s first pulse centre, describing it as a brilliant innovation for sustainable rural livelihoods.
He said the project would stimulate Kangire’s economy and highlight the community’s transformation potential through agriculture-led development.
Mr Namadi explained that the facility included a solar-powered integrated system, digitally connected hubs, and services covering the entire agricultural value chain.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening agriculture to drive job creation, infrastructure expansion, and improved livelihoods.
Chairman of Birnin-Kudu Local Council, Muhammad Uba, pledged support for Mr Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, highlighting Jigawa’s prioritisation of agriculture and food security.
He added that Mr Namadi had taken significant steps to transform and digitalise agriculture in the state.
Mr Kyari formally inaugurated the G.R.A.I.N Pulse Centre at Kangire as part of the Renewed Hope agenda.
(NAN)