A Food Processing Expert and Industrialist, Mr. Duro Kuteyi, has charged the Federal Government to buoy up the processing of agricultural produce as an effective measure in diversifying the Nigerian economy.
The food expert, who made the call in Lagos at an interview with men of the press, said the processing of tomatoes would reduce wastage and spoilage.
Kuteyi applauded government’s initiative in diversifying from oil to agriculture but was quick to point that, food processing must be encouraged to ensure maximum productivity.
He said: “And if they now encourage food processing, then they score 100 per cent; if not they score 60 per cent.
“We want government to collaborate with us in the area of training the youths and adults on how to process tomatoes.
“So that instead of sustaining 60 per cent waste, not up to five per cent will waste; if these things are processed at the farm gate.
“Now BOI (Bank of Industry) being an arm of government, has taken it upon itself to sponsor the training of youths on tomato processing.
“This will go a long way in making the price of tomato stable throughout the year and making them available to every part of the country and export,’’ he added.
Kuteyi, however, scored Nigeria low in the processing of various agricultural produce.