An NGO, Coldhubs in collaboration with Heifer International, has erected a 100-tonne cold room facility in Farin-Gada market to boost agribusiness for producers and marketers of agricultural products in Plateau.
Speaking at the inauguration of the cold room on Friday in Jos, Plateau, the Chief Executive Officer of Coldhubs, Mr Nnaemeka Ikegwuonu said he built the cold room because of adequate storage facilities in the area.
According to him, the inadequacy of such facilities is making farmers lose greater percentage of their perishable farm products.
Ikegwuonu said the absence of storage facility was a huge challenge to farmers and sellers of agriproducts in the country.
He expressed delight that unlike in previous years, current figures of tomatoes production was on the increase because of the advent of modern storage facilities.
“According to the National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), Nigeria’s current tomato production is currently at 2.3 metric tonnes as against 2.8 metric tonnes in 2021.
“NIHORT estimates that about 40 per cent of the fruit does not make its way to the end users owing to post-harvest losses.
“The ColdHubs ecosystem which primarily targets the tomato value chain will not only provide refrigeration solutions for tomato and other perishable food produce but also build the capacity of traders and farmers.
“So, as to engage in improved storage practices using crates and other contemporary packaging.”
Ikegwuonu, while commending Heifer for its support to the realisation of such feats, said Heifer’s support had proven to be the catalyst for food storage solution in the country.
He added that cost of access or affordability of the storage facility would be very minimal compared with the losses recorded due to lack of storage for the perishable products.
“Heifer International has supported us to deploy ten (10) ColdHubs across Nigeria; eight out of these are 3-tonne capacity Hubs while two out of the ten are 100-tonne capacity Hubs.
“With this support, we are expanding our affordable, pay-as-you-go refrigeration option and making it available right in the middle of local markets and farm clusters,” he said.
Similarly, the Interim Country Director of Heifer Nigeria, Mr Lekan Tobe who was represented by Heifer Nigeria’s Communications Manager, Mr Chuba Ezeigwe, implored young entrepreneurs across Africa to develop homegrown solutions to support farmers across the continent.
According to him, Heifer international seeks to encourage young people develop keen interest in the agricultural sector.
“We want to do our part to help young innovators deploy transformative agri-tech innovations that will boost farming and food production and provide smallholder farmers with the support they require to grow a sustainable, profitable business.
“We are in Jos to launch an innovative 100-tonne capacity solar-powered cold room that will guarantee 24/7 refrigeration of tomatoes and other perishable commodities.
“This Hub will guarantee sustainable income for farmers and traders by reducing the pressure on the sellers to sell soon after harvest because they have no affordable ways of keeping their produce fresh.
“Having completed the design, installation and commissioning of these 100 per cent solar-powered, walk-in cold rooms known as “ColdHubs” in farm clusters and outdoor food markets.
“ColdHubs will now ensure efficient non-stop operationalisation of these facilities while Heifer International continues to provide monitoring and support,” he said.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Mrs Esther Pwaspo on behalf of the Government of Plateau and Community leaders of the Farin Gada market, commended the group for the feat, saying it was a welcome development for the state.
She called on the group to replicate same in other vegetables markets scattered across the state.
The Vice Chairman of the Farin-gada Tomato Market, Mr Babawo Suleiman said the coldroom hub was an answer to the cry of farmers and sellers of vegetables in the state.
