The federal government has advised farmers to partner with experts in agricultural research and development to curtail perennial post-harvest losses of produce.

Hussaini Ibrahim, the director-general, Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), gave the advice in Sokoto at the inauguration of the first Indigenous onion and garlic processing plant on Saturday.

Represented by Emmanuel Kwaya, a director in the council, Mr Ibrahim said having an effective processing plant of agricultural products and initiating research-based storage would improve food security for the country.

“This development will aid our commitment toward zero hunger, promote productivity and profitability among farmers, improve the national economy and address the challenges of unemployment,” he said.

The director general added that over the past three decades, the RMRDC had remained the national institutional framework for promoting local raw materials development and utilisation by industries.

“The gesture has achieved tremendous milestones in the development and growth of Nigeria’s industrial sector,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim commended the partners and investors who have made the project a reality.

Aliyu Maitasamu, the national president of the Onion Farmers Association of Nigeria, said over two million metric tons of onion is produced annually in Nigeria, with Sokoto State producing 40 per cent of the product.

“Based on the annual estimate, the onion produced in Nigeria amounted to more than N700 billion, but about 40 to 50 per cent of the product worth over N300 billion is wasted to post-harvest losses.

“This is due to the lack of adequate and effective storage and processing facilities at the farmers’ disposal.

(NAN)