The Federal Government is expected to earn 18 billion naira from the concessions of its 19 silos to the private sector.
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr Muhammad Abubakar made the assertion at the opening of the 2nd West and Central African Post-harvest Congress and Exhibition in Abuja.
Abubakar, who was represented by Director of Food and Strategic Reserve in the ministry, Haruna Suleman, added that the concession was to reduce post-harvest losses that farmers, especially those in rural areas, suffer year-round.
The minister said 6,250 metric tonnes storage facilities were leased to the private sector to enhance food security in the country. According to him, the Federal Government came up with the initiative to provide an enabling environment for private individuals to contribute to agriculture and food security.
He also informed that the government had established 17 Green Aggregation Centres to process agricultural produce and reduce post production losses.
Also, Vice-Chancellor, Benue State University, Tor Iorapuu, said that the exhibition was to rally stakeholders to collectively work towards producing indigenous foods and reduce post-harvest losses.
