The National President of the National Association of Mango Producers, Processors and Marketers of Nigeria ( NAMPPMAN), Dr. Garba Kangiwa, said Nigeria produces about one million metric tonnes of mangoes annually, ranking 11th globally. According to him, with stronger government support and modern farming practices, Nigeria had the potential to become one of the world’s top three mango-producing countries.
Kangiwa called for government intervention in areas including land allocation, access to finance, improved seedlings and agricultural support programmes. He said NAMPPMAN was targeting the planting of at least 50 million high-quality mango trees across the country, using modern propagation techniques.
He identified poor storage, inadequate transportation and limited processing facilities as major challenges, estimating that farmers currently lose between 40 and 50 per cent of their harvest after production. He proposed establishing 12 to 14 processing plants across the country to increase value addition and reduce dependence on imported mango products.
According to Kangiwa, mango processing could generate opportunities beyond fresh fruit and juice, with seeds and waste potentially used for industrial oil, cosmetics and organic fertiliser. He said stronger investment in the subsector could improve food security, create jobs and increase Nigeria’s foreign exchange earnings.
Kangiwa also outlined plans to digitise farmer registration, map mango orchards nationwide, assess production needs and strengthen market links among farmers, processors and exporters as part of efforts to reposition the sector.
Leave a comment