Experts don dey talk say reducing post-harvest losses fit be one of the best ways to stabilise food costs for Nigerians. According to recent reports, post-harvest losses dey contribute significantly to the high cost of food in many countries, including Nigeria.
In a recent development, the Nigerian Senate pass a bill for second reading to establish National Food Reserve Agency. This agency go help reduce post-harvest losses by constructing and managing silos, warehouses, and other storage facilities. Senator Saliu Mustapha, who sponsor the bill, say that the agency go ensure price stabilization and food security by maintaining buffer stock of food grains and other commodities.
Post-harvest losses no be small thing; dem dey happen because of poor storage facilities, inadequate transportation, and lack of proper handling techniques. For example, in Canada, a recent report show say almost half of all food wasted is avoidable, and a significant portion of this waste happen during the post-harvest and distribution stages.
Reducing these losses go help make food more affordable and available. As one expert explain, stabilizing food prices through better post-harvest management go benefit both consumers and farmers. Consumers go enjoy stable prices, while farmers go get better returns for their produce.
The proposed National Food Reserve Agency go work with national and international agencies to develop the agricultural sector and address emergency food crises. This move fit be a big step towards achieving national food security and stabilizing food costs in Nigeria.
