Nigeria Loses 45 Of Tomato Harvest To Waste

Nigerias Minister of Agriculture and Food Security , Abubakar Kyari, has revealed that the country currently loses 45 per cent of its 3.9 million tonnes of annual tomato harvest to post-harvest waste and supply chain inefficiencies.

Speaking at the launch of GB Hub Africa in Abuja on Monday, Kyari , represented by the ministry's director, Ibrahim Alkali, highlighted the paradox facing Nigeria's agricultural sector: despite being Africa's largest tomato producer, the country remains the world's largest importer of tomato paste.

He attributed the massive losses to systemic challenges such as inadequate processing infrastructure, weak linkages between farmers and processors, and outdated farming methods.

The disclosure comes as tomato farmers across Nigeria express concern over the recent infestation of crops by the Tuta Absoluta virus, a destructive pest capable of causing up to 100 per cent crop loss if not properly managed.

Kyari stated, "Despite producing approximately 3.997 million tonnes of tomatoes annually, about 45 per cent-equivalent to 1.8 million tonnes-goes to waste due to inefficiencies in our supply chains. This waste represents not only lost food but also lost livelihoods, economic potential, and nutritional access for our citizens."