– Ilewo, Ogun State.

In a recent statement, agricultural expert and farm manager Paschal Nnaemeka shared his thoughts on the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security’s commitment to reducing post-harvest losses by 25%. He views this initiative as a vital step toward improving the agricultural landscape in Nigeria.

“Reducing post-harvest losses from 45% to 20% is more than just a target; it’s essential for our farmers’ livelihoods and the overall food security of our country,” Nnaemeka said passionately. He believes that this effort could provide farmers with better opportunities and help ensure that the food produced reaches consumers instead of going to waste.

Nnaemeka also expressed enthusiasm about the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) initiative, which aims to create a seamless connection between farming, processing, and marketing. “This could really change the game for farmers like me,” he noted. “By enhancing the value chain, we could see better market access, which in turn means higher incomes for farmers.”

He highlighted the impressive goal of generating around 500,000 jobs through this initiative, especially in rural communities. “This is a fantastic opportunity for our youth to get involved in agriculture,” he added. “We need to inspire them to see farming as a viable and rewarding career.”

However, Nnaemeka also raised some important points about the practicalities of implementing this ambitious initiative. “Collaboration is key. The federal and state governments, private sector partners, and farmers need to work together. We need to address the challenges we face in rural areas, such as infrastructure and access to resources,” he emphasized.

Sustainability was another critical aspect he mentioned. “While it’s important to ramp up production, we can’t ignore our environmental responsibilities. Adopting sustainable practices will help ensure that we are not just producing more food but doing so in a way that protects our land and resources for future generations,” he said.

Nnaemeka concluded with a call for accountability in the initiative’s implementation. “We need a strong system to monitor progress and make adjustments as necessary. It’s about being flexible and responsive to the needs of farmers and consumers,” he said.

With optimism for the future, Paschal Nnaemeka believes that, if executed properly, this initiative can transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector, improve food security, and uplift countless farmers across the nation.