The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s mango value chain through improved processing, value addition and measures to reduce post-harvest losses.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, gave the assurance during a meeting with the National Association of Mango Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria in Abuja.
The association appealed to the Federal Government to support the establishment of between 1,000 and 2,000 hectares of mango plantations in each state through the Great Green Wall initiative.
It also called for the development of at least one mango processing plant in each state, nationwide sensitisation on modern mango farming practices and training for mango farmers.
The association further conferred on Senator Kyari the title of Grand Patron in recognition of his support for the development of the mango sector.
Responding, Senator Kyari explained that the Great Green Wall initiative falls under the mandate of the Federal Ministry of Environment but assured the association that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security would collaborate with the Environment Ministry to advance the initiative.
The Minister identified post-harvest losses as a major challenge in the mango value chain, stressing the need for improved handling and storage technologies. He noted that technologies such as collapsible crates could help significantly reduce losses.
Senator Kyari also highlighted the Federal Government’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Programme, disclosing that the Ministry had signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency (REA) to provide up to 80 megawatts of electricity to processing zones in the first phase.
According to him, the first phase will cover seven states and the Federal Capital Territory.
The Minister noted that Nigeria produces some of the world’s finest mangoes and stressed the need to develop improved varieties while expanding processing capacity to unlock greater economic opportunities from the sector.
He urged the association to formally submit its proposals to the Ministry for consideration.
The meeting underscores the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s mango value chain, reduce post-harvest losses, promote agro-processing and increase the economic benefits of mango production for farmers and other stakeholders.
