Lagos: Some stakeholders in farm produce in Lagos State on Tuesday, urged the government to build warehouses and hubs to preserve their produce and reduce wastage.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the stakeholders emphasized that the lack of preservation facilities for farm produce has resulted in significant waste and financial losses. The United Nations General Assembly designated September 29 as the International Day of Awareness on Food Loss and Waste, promoting solutions to tackle these challenges and aiming to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal target 12.3 by 2030.
Mr. Hafiz Tiamiyu, Chairman of Tomato Dadi Louis Community in Iworo, Badagry, highlighted that a provision of a tomato hub and seedlings would help curb waste. He reported that the community lost over N20 million in 2023 due to inadequate preservation. Similarly, Mr. Sunday Ajilo, a Fish Market Leader in Epe, pointed out how post-harvest losses in fisheries continue to impact traders and fishermen’s incomes.
Mrs. Iyabo Adegoke, Iyaloja of Aiyetoro Market in Epe, stressed the urgent need for more storage facilities, noting that poor storage is a significant cause of perishable goods wastage. Mr. Tunde Hunpatin from Agbalata Coconut Market in Badagry urged the government to install preservation machines and warehouses, drawing attention to the benefits observed in Ghana.
The issue of annual wastage also affects profits in the Ojokoro Local Council Development Area, as noted by Mr. Akinloye Oladejo, Baba Oja of the area. He called for facilities to extend the lifespan of food to prevent rapid spoilage. Meanwhile, Mr. Muideen Azeez, Welfare Officer of Idi Oro Alamutu Market in Mushin, identified inconsistent electricity supply as a barrier to effective preservation, appealing for a multi-functional cold room and accelerated construction of a modern market in Mushin.
Mrs. Tinuola Bakare, a nutritionist, advised consumers on responsible eating habits to prevent waste, emphasizing that reducing food loss and waste could bolster food security and improve farmers’ and traders’ livelihoods. Alhaji Abdul Mohammed, General Secretary of Mile 12 Market, lamented the lack of storage facilities, noting the current high food prices and reliance on outdated preservation methods.
The challenges extend to transportation, with Mohammed explaining that poor road conditions and outdated transportation methods exacerbate food spoilage. He recounted an incident where a truck loaded with onions caused a stench due to spoilage, underscoring the broader issue of inadequate infrastructure.