29th May, 2017
The Lagos State Government has begun the sensitization of various stakeholders in the perishable foods business on its new initiative on packaging and transportation of perishable food tagged ‘Produce Vehicle and Crate Project’.
According to the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Oluwatoyin Suarau, the produce vehicle and crate project was targeted towards ensuring perishable foods were packaged, transported and delivered to consumers in a wholesome and hygienic condition which befits a mega city like Lagos.
Suarau, who spoke at a stakeholders’ forum on the implementation of the ‘Produce Vehicle and Crate Project’ noted that the need to improve on the hygiene of perishable food by moving from the raffia basket carriage to a modern durable crate carriage which is hygienic, was long overdue adding that this would also help in reducing wastage
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Olayiwole Onasanya stated that Lagos state has a huge consumption of perishable goods of about 1.2 million metric tons.
“Over 40% of these goods gets spoilt before getting to its final destination as a result of bad packaging. As a government we cannot fold our hands and allow these trend to persist”, he said.
Suarau explained further that these perishable foods wastage contributes to the problem of waste disposal in the state. He added that these wastage can be reduced to the barest minimum with proper packaging.
The Commissioner revealed that an improved transportation system will be but in place to ensure that the perishable foods gets to the its final destination in good time as this will reduce wastage and reduce the risk of getting the food contaminated.
He stated further that a well organized transportation system like the Eko meat van will also reduce molestation from uniformed officers on the highways as all the vehicles will be branded.
While noting that the present administration remained committed to ensuring food security in the State, Suarau stated that state government would not relent in its drive to ensure wholesomeness in the production, processing and transportation of agriculture produce to the populace stressing that this will also help put an end to food wastage.
Suarau reiterated the importance of food safety and hygiene and the commitment of the state government to enforce standards focusing on the post-harvest agricultural produce that can compete favourable in international markets.