In a decisive move to curb staggering post-harvest losses and protect the livelihoods of local farmers, the House of Representatives on Wednesday adopted a resolution calling for the immediate establishment of a modern tuber and agricultural produce storage facility in Agyaragu Town, Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.
The motion, sponsored by Hon. Abubakar Sarki Dahiru, shines a spotlight on a critical vulnerability in Nigeria’s agricultural supply chain. While Agyaragu is widely recognized as a major hub for yam production, its farmers continue to suffer severe economic setbacks due to an absolute reliance on outdated storage systems.
Agyaragu boasts one of the largest yam markets in Nasarawa State, serving as a vital commercial center that attracts buyers from all 36 states of the federation and neighboring West African countries. Yet, despite its high productivity, the region relies almost entirely on traditional barns to preserve harvests.
Lawmakers expressed deep concern that these traditional methods leave tubers highly vulnerable to rot, spoilage, and mechanical damage, forcing farmers to bear heavy financial losses year after year.
The deficit is part of a much larger, alarming national trend. Data from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations and the Nigerian Stored Produce Research Institute (NSPRI) reveals that Nigeria loses up to 50% of its post-harvest agricultural produce—particularly fruits, vegetables, and tubers—due to deficient infrastructure and poor handling practices.
Currently, the only major specialized storage facility servicing the entire North Central region is located in Zaki Biam, Benue State, with a storage capacity of 200,000 yam tubers. The House noted that the vast distance between Agyaragu and Zaki Biam means substantial amounts of produce perish in transit before ever reaching a secure facility, sharply reducing agricultural revenue and worsening food insecurity across Nigeria.
“Storage facilities are crucial for minimizing significant post-harvest losses, thereby ensuring year-round food security, stabilizing market prices, and increasing farmers’ income,” the resolution noted.
To rectify this infrastructure deficit, the House of Representatives officially resolved to:
-Call upon the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to construct a modern tuber and agricultural produce storage facility in Agyaragu Town, with an explicit directive to include the project in the upcoming 2027 budget estimates.
-Mandate the House Committees on Agricultural Production Services, Nutrition, and Food Security to oversee the directive and ensure full compliance by the ministry.
By upgrading Agyaragu’s storage capabilities, lawmakers aim to transform the local economy from a seasonal, high-risk market into a stabilized, year-round powerhouse for national food security.
