Pineapple farmers have called for increased investment in processing facilities and export development to reduce post-harvest losses, boost farmers’ incomes, and strengthen the fruit value chain.
The farmers made this appeal in separate interviews with reporters on Wednesday in Lagos.
They explained that a significant portion of harvested pineapples is lost before reaching consumers due to the fruit’s highly perishable nature and limited value-addition facilities.
Mr. Afolabi Odunlami, a pineapple farmer, noted that many producers are forced to sell their harvest at low prices during peak production to avoid losses.
“Once pineapples are harvested, farmers have a limited time to sell them. When supply is high and demand is low, prices crash, and many fruits spoil before reaching the market.
“If there are more processing facilities producing juice, concentrates, dried pineapples, and other products, farmers will have alternative markets and earn better incomes,” he said.
Odunlami emphasized that investment in processing would absorb surplus production, reduce waste, and create jobs across the value chain.
Mrs. Iyanu Faleye, another farmer, cited inadequate processing facilities as one of the biggest challenges faced during peak harvest seasons.
She explained that farmers often sell their produce below production costs because they lack access to factories that can purchase excess fruits for processing.
“If more companies produce pineapple juice, dried pineapple, and other products, farmers will have a ready market, and fewer fruits will go to waste,” she said.
Mr. Romtimi Akinwale attributed rising post-harvest losses to poor transportation infrastructure and limited market access.
He observed that high transportation costs and delays in getting produce to urban markets reduce fruit quality and farmers’ earnings.
He called for better road networks, collection centers, organized markets, and the establishment of processing plants near farming communities.
Mrs. Aminat Olotu, a fruit exporter, highlighted Nigeria’s potential to benefit from increasing international demand for fresh and processed tropical fruits if farmers meet quality and traceability standards.
She noted that many smallholder farmers lack knowledge of export requirements, limiting their participation in international markets.
“There is a growing market for pineapple products in Europe, the Middle East, and other regions. However, exporters need consistent quality, proper packaging, and reliable supply.
“Training farmers and supporting aggregation centers can help bridge the gap between production and export demand,” she said.
Olotu added that increased exports would generate foreign exchange and encourage more investment in pineapple production and processing.
The stakeholders urged government agencies, financial institutions, research organizations, and private investors to collaborate on developing the pineapple industry through value addition and export promotion.
They emphasized that such investments will reduce post-harvest losses, improve farmers’ livelihoods, and contribute to Nigeria’s agricultural development.
