TOMATO SUMMIT IN NIGERIA...

Stakeholders in the sector converged in Kano February 6, 2019

Press Release /by Aishat Onusi

Stakeholders in the tomato industry on Januray 25th, 2019 gathered in Kano state at the 1st National Tomato Summit to discuss “Strengthening Opportunities in Tomato Value Chain towards a National Self Sufficiency”.

The summit organized by the Nigeria Agribusiness Group (NABG) and Grow Africa in collaboration with the Tomato Growers Association of Nigeria (TOGAN) had in attendance, Honourable Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh.

Speaking at the event, NABG Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Iwejere, said the aim of the forum was to identify some challenges bedevilling production in the tomato value chain and proffer solutions towards the attainment of national self-sufficiency.

Country Director, TechnoServe, Larry Umunung, said the summit was timely in view of the loses recorded in tomato production in Nigeria. According to him, Nigeria loses about 45% of tomatoes produced annually, noting that, “this summit will help in sensitising stakeholders to device means of achieving effective and profitable production.”

Honourable Minister, Audu Ogbeh pledged Federal Government’s support in the provision of solar-powered cold rooms in Kano state for tomato preservation.

Key issues examined by the summit included tomato value chain development and post-harvest processing, mobilizing more private investment to increase production, improving quality and standards, building of storage infrastructure and encouraging best practices in preservation to minimize post harvest losses.