Nigeria’s 200,000 capacity yam storage facility has commenced operation at the Zaki Biam International Yam Market in Benue State.
The Yam storage storage facility was commissioned by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday 9th June, 2020.
The market is assumed to be the biggest yam market in the world, accounting for about 70% of the yams cultivated in the country with over 200 trucks loading two million tubers of yams weekly.
Osinbajo, On Tuesday commissioned the project via video conference, He stated that despite its impressive output, the market has little storage capacity and its infrastructural facilities are way below the size of the commerce that goes on there daily.
However it has been considered capable for operation by the Federal Government as it would give the market an economic uplift, especially in pursuit of its agricultural reforms.
VP Osibanjo stated:
”post harvest losses due to poor storage facilities for the nation’s agriculture produce would be a thing of the past if more storage and processing facilities like the new storage facility in Benue State are established around the country.”
”the 200,000-capacity Yam Storage Facility is part of the National MSMEs’ Shared Facility Scheme being implemented by the Nigerian Government under the National MSMEs Clinics put in place by the Buhari administration.”
“Besides, post harvest losses have been the bane of agriculture production, Nigeria produces 17 million tons of yam annually, but loses up to 40% on account of inadequate storage and processing facilities.”
“Following discussions between the Nigerian Government’s MSME Clinics project, the Benue State government and market stakeholders, it was unanimously agreed that this 200,000 capacity Yam Storage Facility should be located right here in Zaki Biam, Benue State,” he explained.
The Vice President was however happy that the Benue State Government could Bring such an infrastructure amidst the coronavirus pandemic he said;
“That we are able to commission this project in the midst of the pandemic is especially heart-warming for him,”
The Governor of the state Samuel Ortom, who spoke during the commissioning, thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Vice President; Ortom also stated that the facility would have direct impact on millions of poor households and will go a long way in supporting livelihood, preventing post-harvest loses and ensuring food security in Benue State.
(C) Control TV 2020.
