The Federal Government said it has renewed its determination to strengthen modern innovation to curb post-harvest losses and boost agricultural production in the country.

The Minister of State for Industry and Investment, Sen. John Owan Enoh, gave the assurance while flagging off a modern Onion Storage facility established by a commercial company in Dawakin Kudu area of Kano State.

The onion storage facility located at Gadar Tamburawa is valued at over N10 billion, and is aimed at tackling the pressing issue of post-harvest losses faced by onion farmers in the region.

Enoh expressed delight and excitement over the facility, calling it the first of its kind in Africa.

He commended Prism Foods Ltd. for investing heavily in a solution to post-harvest losses, saying it would enhance food security and encourage entrepreneurship, ultimately boosting the nation’s economy.

According to him, facilities like Prism Foods Ltd. would pave the way for more job opportunities and improve food security.

“By providing a reliable storage solution for onions and other perishable commodities, the facility will play a vital role in effective service delivery, supporting the nation’s agricultural development,” he said.

“This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to curb post-harvest losses, potentially increasing farmers’ income and creating more job opportunities for youths.”

Kano State governor, Abba Yusuf, represented by the State Commissioner for Commerce, Shehu Wada Sagagi, commended Prism Foods Ltd. for setting up the facility in Kano.

Yusuf noted that the state government was committed to providing all the needed support to ensure that agricultural produce was being enhanced.

The Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Prism Foods Ltd, Mr. Aman Gupta, said the massive post-harvest losses faced by onion farmers prompted the establishment of the facility. He said the facility can store 10,000 tonnes of onion at a time.

Aliyu Maitasamu, Chairman of the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, echoed this sentiment, emphasising that the facility would significantly reduce post-harvest losses of onions and other perishable commodities.

Maitasamu noted that their association produced two million metric tonnes of onions, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for the facility.

He lauded the Federal Government and the Kano State Government for their support in making the project a reality.