Minister Inaugurates N10bn Onion Storage Facility, To Check Post-harvest Losses
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Minister of State for Industry and Investment, Sen.John Owan Enoh,on Monday in Kano State inaugurated a 10,000-tonnes capacity Onion Storage Facility, aimed at addressing post-harvest losses incurred by onion farmers.
Owan launched the facility at Gadar Tamburawa in Dawakin Kudu Local Government Area of the state.
Established by Prism Foods Limited, the state-of-the-art onion storage facility is aimed at tackling the pressing issue of post-harvest losses faced by onion farmers, especially in the northern part of the country.
During the event, the minister expressed the determination of the Federal Government to provide all the needed support for initiating modern innovation to address post harvest losses among farmers across the country.
He commended Prism Foods Limited 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 Limited would pave 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.
“This initiative aligns with President Tinubu’s agenda to curb post-harvest losses, potentially increasing farmers’ income and creating more job opportunities for youths,” the minister said.
Gov. Abba Yusuf represented by the State Commissioner for Commerce,Alhaji Shehu Wada Sagagi, commended Prism Foods Limited for establishing “such a huge investment in Kano.”
Yusuf noted that the state government is committed toward providing all the needed support to ensure that agricultural produce are 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.
Alhaji Aliyu Maitasamu, Chairman of the National Onion Producers, Processors, and Marketers Association of Nigeria, said the facility would significantly reduce post-harvest losses of onions and other perishable commodities.
Maitasamu noted that the association produced two million metric tonnes of onions, ensuring a steady supply of raw materials for the facility.
He commended the federal government and the Kano state government for their support in making the project a reality.