Agro exhibition: Stakeholders to address Nigeria’s post-harvest losses
By Rukayat Moisemhe and Mercy Omoike
The organisers of Nigeria’s Agrofood and Plastprintpack exhibition, FairTrade Messe, says the 10th exhibition will serve as a panacea in addressing post-harvest losses in the Nigerian agriculture sector.
The group, at the pre-exhibition launch of the 10th edition of the Agrofood and Plastprintpack exhibition, on Thursday in Lagos, said the event would address ways to prevent post-harvest losses in the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is scheduled for March 25 to 27, 2025, at the Landmark Event Centre Lagos, with Germany headlining the edition.
The Senior Project Manager, FairTade Messe, Ms Freyja Detjen, said the exhibition would bridge the gap of post-harvest losses in the country.
“With Agrofood and Plastprintpack exhibition, we want to create an opportunity for stakeholders across valuechain to meet up efficiently.
“Nigeria records a post-harvest loss of grains at 20 per cent, fish 20 per cent and tubers, fruits and vegetables at 50 per cent.
“The United States Agency for International Development said about 50 per cent of fresh agricultural products in Nigeria is lost at post-harvest level due to transportation and storage.
“A challenge that requires $3 trillion to bridge the infrastructure gap. On one hand, it is a challenge, on the other hand, we see a potential and the solutions that are needed.
“And we think it is a good match in line with the agrofood value chain because it is about agriculture. It is about cold chain, about transportation and about production.
“This platform and this exchange that we are having with Agrofood and Plastprint Pack is more than needed now,” Detjen said.
She said Fairtrade and the Organisation for Technology Advancement of Cold Chain in West Africa, would co-organise the 7th West African Cold Chain Summit & Exhibition alongside Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria, following the fruitful collaboration since the 2021 event.
She said Nigeria emerged as the fourth -largest investor in plastics technology in Africa €134 million in 2023, showcasing an annual growth rate of 13.9 per cent between 2016 and 2023.
Detjen noted that the nation’s imports of printing and paper processing technology had surged by 17 per cent annually, reaching €92 million in 2022, securing Nigeria’s position as the second-largest investor in sub-Saharan Africa.
“And our vision is to create valuable business context. This means to force the meaningful connections that drive growth, innovation and lasting business partnerships, creating a network and valuable opportunities for everybody.
“Through the Agrofood exhibition, we want to build valuable business context along the value chain from field to fork,” she added.
On his part, Mr Paul März, the Managing Director Fairtrade, in his welcome address, sought increased collaboration among stakeholders in the sector.
“I always love these type of meetings because it is a very close exchange, and where we learn a lot about challenges in the industry.
“The exhibition is a fantastic opportunity to connect, to exchange ideas, to explore new possibilities within our industry, within the Agrofood and Plastprintpack industry.
“We are all especially looking forward to celebrating the 10th edition of Nigeria Agrofood and Plastprintpack exhibition together with you on the opening day on March 25 and the entire exhibition, marking in an important milestone for this thriving platform,” März said.
Also, Mr Odion Aleobua, the Chief Executive Officer, Modion Communications, Local partner Fairtrade Messe and Agrofood/Plastprintpack, called for increased participation at the forthcoming exhibition.
“The Agrofood/Plastprintpack exhibition is a great platform connecting stakeholders interested in the Nigerian agriculture sector development.
“This is the 10th edition of the Agrofood and Plastprint Park exhibition and we want it to be special.
“There are going to be a lot of collaborations, as well as local and international players at the exhibition in the agriculture sector,” Aleobua.
NAN reports that about 100 leading exhibitors from over 15 countries will showcase tailored products and solutions at the event.
The exhibition will feature comprehensive three-day conference with 20 sessions and more than 70 speakers in a 180-seat conference room.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
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