Abubakar Kyari, Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, revealed that the nation suffers a staggering annual loss of $10 billion due to post-harvestpost-harvest waste. This announcement was made on Monday during the launch of the Green Legacy Rural Community Agriculture and Infrastructure Network (G.R.A.I.N) Pulse Centre initiative in the Kangire community of Birnin-Kudu Local Government Area, Jigawa State.
Mr. KyariKyari attributed these losses to inadequate storage facilities, insufficient infrastructure, limited processing capabilities, climate change, flooding, soil degradation, and increasingly unpredictable rainfall patterns throughout the country. He noted that agriculture accounts for approximately 24% of Nigeria’s GDP, with smallholder farmers responsible for around 70% of food production.
“Empowering smallholder farmers with modern tools, technologies, and market access will enable us to fully harness the potential of our land and people,” the minister emphasized.
He reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritize agriculture as a cornerstone of national transformation, affirming that this vision is being translated into actionable initiatives. Mr. Kyari highlighted the importance of private-sector involvement in enhancing Nigeria’s food systems and building resilience against post-harvest losses.
The pulse centre is designed to serve as a comprehensive hub for agriculture, infrastructure, and rural development, addressing the entire agricultural value chain. Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, it aims to create a secure environment for exports and will be replicated in communities nationwide.
Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscored the importance of public-private partnerships in fostering development, praising the establishment of such hubs in Jigawa’s agricultural communities. “This microeconomy will yield multiple benefits for Nigeria, particularly through the integration of modern facilities and technologies,” he stated.
He commended President Tinubu and Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi for their focus on food security within their development agendas. Governor Namadi expressed his satisfaction with Jigawa hosting the country’s inaugural pulse centre, calling it a significant innovation for sustainable rural livelihoods. He noted that the project would invigorate Kangire’s economy and showcase the community’s potential for transformation through agriculture-led development.
Governor Namadi detailed that the facility features a solar-powered integrated system, digitally connected hubs, and services encompassing the entire agricultural value chain. He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing agriculture to generate jobs, expand infrastructure, and improve living standards.
Muhammad Uba, Chairman of the Birnin-Kudu Local Council, pledged support for President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasizing Jigawa’s commitment to agriculture and food security. He remarked that Governor Namadi has taken substantial strides to advance and digitize agriculture in the state.
Mr. Kyari officially inaugurated the G.R.A.I.N Pulse Centre in Kangire as a key component of the Renewed Hope agenda.
(NAN)
