… Blames Poor Storage, Weak Infrastructure, Climate Change
… FG Launches First Integrated Pulse Centre In Jigaw
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, has revealed that Nigeria loses about $10 billion annually to post-harvest losses, warning that the trend threatens food security and economic stability.
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 at Kangire community in Birnin-Kudu Local Government Area of Jigawa State.
He explained that the huge losses are driven by poor storage facilities, weak infrastructure, limited processing capacity, climate change, flooding, soil degradation, and erratic rainfall patterns.
“By empowering smallholder farmers with modern tools, technology, and access to markets, we can unlock the full wealth of our land and people,” Kyari said.
The minister noted that agriculture currently contributes about 24 per cent to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with smallholder farmers producing 70 per cent of the nation’s food supply. He stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has prioritised agriculture as a cornerstone of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to him, the newly inaugurated pulse centre would serve as an integrated hub for agriculture, infrastructure, and rural development, covering the entire value chain from production to export.
He added that the centre is equipped with modern storage and processing facilities and would be replicated across rural communities nationwide.
Also speaking, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the initiative as a model for public-private partnerships, commending the integration of modern technologies into rural farming systems.
“This microeconomy will benefit Nigeria because of its multiple advantages, particularly the integration of modern facilities and technologies,” Tuggar said, praising both President Tinubu and Governor Umar Namadi for prioritising food security.
Governor Namadi expressed delight that Jigawa was hosting the country’s first pulse centre, describing it as “a brilliant innovation for sustainable rural livelihoods.”
He explained that the facility is powered by solar energy, digitally connected hubs, and systems that support farmers across the agricultural value chain. He pledged that his administration would continue to invest in agriculture as a driver of job creation, infrastructure development, and poverty reduction.
Chairman of Birnin-Kudu Local Council, Muhammad Uba, pledged full support for the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that Jigawa had already taken significant steps to digitalise agriculture and strengthen food production.
The G.R.A.I.N Pulse Centre was formally inaugurated by Kyari as part of efforts to cut post-harvest losses, boost food production, and position Nigeria for increased agricultural exports.
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