Kano, Nigeria – In a bid to address one of the major challenges facing tomato farmers in Kano State, the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) and Horti Nigeria. The agreement, which focuses on market linkages between tomato farmers and off-takers, was formalized at the SAPZ office in Kano.
Speaking at the event, the National Program Coordinator (NPC) of SAPZ, Dr. Kabir Yusuf, emphasized that one of the program’s core objectives is to connect smallholder farmers to viable markets. He highlighted that limited access to reliable buyers has been a persistent challenge for tomato farmers in the region, leading to post-harvest losses and reduced income.
“As part of our commitment to agricultural development, this partnership will ensure that farmers not only produce but also have access to guaranteed markets for their produce,” Dr. Yusuf stated.
Also present at the signing was Mr. Mohammed Salisu Idris, the Program Director of Horti Nigeria, who expressed appreciation to SAPZ and the Kano State Program Implementation Unit for their dedication. He reiterated Horti Nigeria’s commitment to collaborating with SAPZ to improve the livelihoods of farmers.
“This partnership marks a significant step towards strengthening the tomato value chain in Kano. We are ready to work closely with SAPZ to provide sustainable market opportunities for smallholder farmers,” Mr. Idris said.
The agreement is expected to enhance the productivity and profitability of tomato farmers by ensuring seamless connections with off-takers. Stakeholders believe that this collaboration will not only reduce post-harvest losses but also contribute to the overall development of the agricultural sector in the state.
This productive partnership between SAPZ and IFDC,Horti Nigeria is anticipated to be a game-changer for tomato farmers in the state.
KMC-SAPZ