The Federal Government has called for increased innovation and adoption of climate-smart practices across Nigeria’s mango value chain, saying the sector has significant potential to strengthen food security, create jobs and boost export earnings.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, made the call in Abuja during the election and inauguration of new executives of the National Association of Mango Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NAMPPMAN).
Represented by the Deputy Director of Horticulture, Hajiya Afusatu Babalda, Kyari described the emergence of a new leadership as an opportunity to reposition the mango industry through improved production, value addition, quality standards and enhanced market access.
He said the ministry would continue to support the sector through modern production technologies, extension services and improved access to finance to raise productivity and strengthen the competitiveness of Nigerian mangoes in domestic and international markets.
The Federal Ministry of Environment also urged stakeholders to prepare for the increasing effects of climate change on mango production.
Representing the Director of the Department of Climate Change, Dr. Iniobong Adiola-Awe, Dr. Asmau Jibril warned that erratic rainfall, flooding and pest outbreaks were already threatening mango productivity.
She stressed the need for greater adoption of climate-smart agricultural practices, sustainable processing methods and improved storage facilities to minimise post-harvest losses and protect farmers incomes.
In his inaugural address, the newly elected National President of NAMPPMAN, Dr. Garba Kangiwa, pledged to transform Nigeria’s mango industry into a technology-driven and globally competitive value chain capable of generating wealth, attracting investment and creating employment.
Kangiwa identified the reduction of post-harvest losses, promotion of value addition and expansion of commercial production as key priorities of his administration.
He noted that every segment of the mango value chain presents opportunities for farmers, processors, marketers and other agribusiness stakeholders.
Earlier, the outgoing National President, Abdulkadir Nasir, disclosed that Nigeria currently produces about one million metric tonnes of mangoes from approximately 120,000 hectares, noting that production could increase significantly through the adoption of improved varieties and better orchard management practices.
The Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, Goni Ahmed, urged the newly elected executives to operate with transparency and protect the interests of mango farmers.
He added that expanding mango cultivation could contribute to wealth creation while helping to combat desertification, reduce soil erosion and mitigate the effects of climate change.
The Federal Government’s renewed focus on the mango value chain is expected to strengthen production, processing and marketing while positioning Nigeria to take greater advantage of the growing global demand for mangoes and mango-based products.
