The Federal Government has called for greater innovation and climate-smart practices across Nigeria’s mango value chain, saying the industry holds significant potential to strengthen food security, create jobs and increase export earnings.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, made the call in Abuja during the election and inauguration of new executives of the National Association of Mango Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria (NAMPPMAN).
Represented by the Deputy Director of Horticulture, Hajiya Afusatu Babalda, Kyari described the emergence of a new leadership as an opportunity to reposition the industry through improved production, value addition, quality standards and better market access.
He said the ministry would continue to support the sector with modern production technologies, extension services and improved access to finance to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
The Federal Ministry of Environment also urged stakeholders to prepare for the growing impact of climate change on mango production. Representing the Director of the Department of Climate Change, Dr. Iniobong Adiola-Awe, Dr. Asmau Jibril warned that erratic rainfall, flooding and pest outbreaks were already threatening productivity, stressing the need for climate-smart agriculture, sustainable processing and improved storage to reduce post-harvest losses.
In his inaugural address, NAMPPMAN National President, Dr. Garba Kangiwa, pledged to transform Nigeria’s mango industry into a technology-driven and globally competitive value chain capable of generating wealth, attracting investment and creating employment.
He said reducing post-harvest losses, promoting value addition and expanding commercial production would be central to the association’s agenda, adding that every component of the mango value chain presents economic opportunities for farmers, processors and entrepreneurs.
Earlier, outgoing National President, Abdulkadir Nasir, said Nigeria currently produces about one million metric tonnes of mangoes from approximately 120,000 hectares but has the capacity to significantly increase output through improved varieties and better orchard management.
Chairman of the association’s Board of Trustees, Goni Ahmed, urged the newly elected executives to lead with transparency and protect the interests of farmers, noting that expanding mango cultivation would not only create wealth but also help combat desertification, reduce soil erosion and mitigate the effects of climate change.
