The Executive Director National Horticultural Research Institute, Dr Abayomi Olaniyan, has identified inadequate expertise in tomato processing as the main cause of the seasonal glut and inconsistent supply of the product in the country.
Olaniya spoke at the just concluded empowerment training for youths in the area of tomato and telfaria production.
He revealed that the country produces 2.3 million metric tonnes against 1.8 million tonnes produced two years ago while the national demand is 3 million.
Our correspondent reports that about 100 youths, who are residents of Telfaria Kwale, Delta State, were trained in tomato and telfaria production by the National Horticulture Research Institute (NIHORT), supported by the federal lawmaker representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani constituency, Nicholas Ossai.
Ossai, who was represented by Ambassador Chibuzor Okereke, urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the programme in expanding their existing skills in farming.
Earlier, Chairman, NIHORT Governing Board, Major General Mohammed A. Garba, had described agriculture as a tool for achieving sustainable economic development in Nigeria.
