There are indications that the problem of post-harvest losses will be reduced soon in Nigeria. This follows the local production of cold room infrastructure in the country by a firm known as Cormart & Chi Farms Nigeria Limited. The firm is transforming Nigeria’s cold chain infrastructure with the local production of high-quality sandwich panels for cold rooms. According to Dr. Johannes Flosbach, Executive Director of Cormart, the innovative panels will play a crucial role in combating post-harvest losses and food preservation challenges across the country. A report by a foreign agency last year claimed that about 50 percent of food items produced in the country are lost after harvest. Though the report stated that the parlous state of the roads and unnecessary long period of transportation contribute to the wastage, it said that dearth of storage facility takes the lion share in the problems.
Comart’s production of the sandwich panels, which are built with steel sheets and Polyurethane Foam (PU) cores, ensure optimal temperature control for perishable goods such as agricultural produce, frozen foods, and pharmaceuticals. Flosbach said the initiative aligns with national efforts to enhance food security and reduce Nigeria’s estimated 45% agricultural produce loss due to inadequate storage. Cormart has also expanded its cold storage facility to 3,000 metric tons, reinforcing its dedication to bridging the gap in food preservation infrastructure.
Martin Middernacht, Managing Director of Cormart and Chi Farms Nigeria Limited, emphasised the company’s commitment to bridging the gap in Nigeria’s cold chain storage infrastructure. He said the facility provides a lifeline for farmers, food processors, and businesses, ensuring that produce reaches markets in peak condition, reducing waste, and ultimately improving incomes.