Firm moves to curb post-harvest losses, promotes industrialisation

To curb post-harvest losses and encourage industrialisation of many crops in Nigeria, Nuli Foods has pledged market linkage and farm input support to farmers. The firm also encouraged Nigerians to live healthily and boost farmers’ prosperity by consuming freshly produced foods.

Founder, Nuli Foods, Ada Osakwe, said this at a media parley in Lagos at the weekend to commemorate the International Happiness Day. According to her, in 2019, the firm purchased 232,000 kilogrammes of fresh produce from farmers, about 250 tonnes of produce that would have wasted because typically, Nigeria has over 60 per cent post-harvest losses. 

She noted that the company is driven by the need to add value to locally grown agricultural produce by creating a food brand from farm to table for healthier living.On the International Day of Happiness, Osakwe said; “As we face a global health pandemic together, the theme for this year, ‘Happiness for All,’ resonates deeply as we must all find best ways to care for ourselves and one another.

“Good personal hygiene, balanced nutrition and peace of mind should be at the core of our activities. Our mantra is to ‘Eat Fresh, Be Happy’ because we believe that what you feed your body is reflected in your health and state of mind.”

Osakwe called on the government to offer more support by driving policies with the aim of encouraging local farmers to grow more produce for promoting food security.
 
“It’s our farmers who feed us. So, a lot more can be done in ensuring they have the right seeds, inputs and markets like big food processing companies that can buy from the farmers instead of importing,” she added.
 
She also called for stricter border closure measures to encourage farmers, restating the need for proper system structure to prevent a defeat of purpose.  She, however, expressed fear that the spread of Coronavirus could affect the entire food chain. She also commended the government for taking stricter measures to prevent the spread of the virus.