Nigeria currently spends a staggering N165 billion annually on the importation of juice concentrate. However, according to a top official from the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), this expenditure could be significantly reduced through the training of farmers and food processors.
Fruit juice concentrate is essentially fruit juice from which most of the water has been extracted, leaving behind a thick syrup. Asabe Mustapha, the Assistant Director of the Textile and Garment Division at RMRDC, made this announcement at the end of a 5-day capacity building training program held in collaboration with the Islamic Development Bank (ISDB) as part of a reverse linkage initiative.
“The importation of concentrates has negatively impacted the local cultivation of fruits for juice processing, resulting in significant annual losses and capital flight,” said Mustapha. She highlighted the adverse effects of depending on imports and how it has hindered the competitiveness of local fruit juice production, subsequently impeding investment prospects in value addition and processing of tropical fruits within Nigeria.
In response to these challenges, Mustapha outlined the objectives of the Reverse Linkage Programme, which include capacity building in process technology for juice concentrate production. “This training will address major constraints in the fruit industry, promote elite accessions of tropical fruits, and foster investment in local fruit juice concentrate plants,” she explained.
Mustapha, who also serves as the Coordinator of the RMRDC/ISDB Reverse Linkage Programme, emphasized the significance of agriculture in the Nigerian economy and the immense potential for economic growth and prosperity within the fruit and vegetable sector. She expressed her concern over Nigerians’ over-dependence on foreign concentrates and called for the encouragement of indigenous technological capabilities, aiming for Nigeria to become a major player in the global technology space.
Highlighting the primary mandate of RMRDC to foster self-reliance by optimizing the use of local raw material resources for sustainable industrial growth and advancement, Mustapha added, “Noteworthy programmes of the council include the annual distribution of improved agricultural seeds to farmers through farmers’ associations and capacity building initiatives for best agricultural practices.”
The RMRDC official also revealed that the council is working closely with relevant institutions to develop new and improved varieties of agricultural seeds. “There are several challenges that hinder our agricultural progress, and it is our responsibility to address them collectively,” she stated. “That is why the council is collaborating with the Islamic Development Bank to enhance capacity in the fruits and vegetables value chain of production, processing, storage, and marketing.”
Mustapha maintained that the training program would create awareness and generate interest in fruit juice concentrate production, subsequently reducing the need for importation and enhancing competitiveness in the fruit industry. She emphasized that the training focused on various fruit juice concentrates, including but not limited to orange, pineapple, mixed fruit, apple, red grape, mango, and guava concentrates. Additionally, the program also covered efficient transportation of fresh fruits, storage techniques that preserve essential nutrients and flavors, and strategies to reduce wastage.
No fewer than 50 farmers and food processors were trained in fruit and vegetable processing as part of this initiative.
