Lanier: Mold, pest control key to manage post harvest losses

In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, the Chief Executive Officer of Never Idle Farms and Consulting, William Lanier, emphasized the importance of mold and pest control in managing post-harvest losses in Nigeria. Lanier commended Minister Abubakari Kairari for shedding light on the alarming 45% post-harvest loss in the country and stressed the need for a shift in strategy towards tackling soil degradation and water ecosystems to enhance food security. The focus on enhancing production must be redirected towards optimizing nutrition and reducing import dependency. Lanier highlighted that the significant post-harvest losses are mainly due to mold, insects, rodents, degraded soil, and water ecosystems. Addressing these issues is crucial to prevent wastage and ensure food security in Nigeria. He explained that centralized storage facilities are not effective in reducing post-harvest losses when inadequate field handling allows pests to contaminate the harvest. Proper rural infrastructure and storage systems are essential to facilitate better post-harvest management and storage. Lanier underscored the need for farmers to have access to adequate storage facilities to prevent mold growth and reduce post-harvest losses. Without proper infrastructure, farmers are forced to sell their produce at lower prices during harvest periods, leading to financial challenges. Recommendations were made for the government to prioritize investments in rural storage facilities to support farmers' needs and enhance agricultural productivity. Lanier emphasized the importance of promoting nutrition-focused agriculture to reduce post-harvest losses and boost food security. He called for a strategic approach that includes infield handling assets and rural storage options tailored to farmers' requirements. The interview concluded with a discussion on global food price movements and their impact on West African markets. Lanier highlighted the significance of addressing post-harvest losses to mitigate food inflation and stimulate local food processing industries. Failure to manage post-harvest losses effectively could result in increased reliance on imports, negatively impacting local economies and hindering growth prospects. In light of the challenges posed by post-harvest losses, Lanier emphasized the urgency of implementing sustainable strategies to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability in Nigeria.